IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


V 


/ 


O 


>'    WJ- 


:/ 


1.0 


I.I 


'^  IlilM    IIIII2.5 


inn 


1.8 


1.25      U      16 

-^ 

6"     

► 

^. 


VQ 


/a 


m.. 


o 


el 


c* 


VI 


^^i   ■>" 


^^ 


^ 

>> 


/ 


w 


M 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


^^%1 


<v 


'^ 


r^^ 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY    14580 

(716)872-4503 


SjP 


sp- 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


□    Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

□    Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagde 


□ 
D 
D 
D 
D 


□ 


D 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul^e 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int^rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 


□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommag^es 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculdes 

Q/  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  d6color6es,  tachet^es  ou  piqu^es 


I      I    Pages  detached/ 


n 


Pages  d^tachees 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  in^gale  de  I'impression 

ides  supplementary  materii 
prend  du  materiel  supplementaire 


I       I    Showthrough/ 

I      I    Quality  of  print  varies/ 

□    Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comi 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  dt^  film^es  d  nouveau  de  facon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  'ilmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


L    ^ 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


ails 

du 

tdifier 

une 

nage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


The  images  appe&ring  cere  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  conaition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  inding  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  fitmad  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  filmd  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

Bibliothdque  nationale  du  Canada 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettet6  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim6e  sont  filmds  en  commengant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmds  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  syr^bole  — ♦-  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
film6s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m6thode. 


rata 
o 


>elure. 


3 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

} 


«Mt  14 


-2^ 


^^^>^. 


y^ 


/^^=^i^T*>;i^«»'^*- 


C^^^rr^/ 


6/JL 


<c 


parati"ii  for  MotlierliutAl 


*tv 


L1^ABJ:TH  KuiUNSON   SCoX'lL 


Ttf  tl>«  i  4»<li*S' 


«.*•!>««; 


\'  rh  •  .1     ri) 


P  '    A'' 


# 


PHlLAI>F.MHi.A 

HENRY  ALTl  ^ftJ$ 


p 


re 


^■"f..'^' 


\ 


>^4?'>^^':^i^>«- 


-^' 


/ 


#;^ 


->::; 


r-^jS^ff-sS-r^^-s 


■' ^^^^-^^-P^^ 


6yx 


Preparation  for  Motherhood 


HV 


ELISABETH  R0I3L\S0X  SCOVIL 

ite  Superintendent  of  the  Newport  Hospita],  and  Associate  Editor 
of  the  Ladies'  Home  Journal 

Author  of  "  The  Care  of  Children  " 


# 


PHILADELPHIA 

HENRY  ALTEMUS 


( 


IN  UNIFORM  STYLE. 


By  the  same  Author. 

THE  CARE  OF  CHILDREN. 

NEW  AND  REVISED  EDITION. 

IVith  a  practical  and  copious  index. 
360  pages.      12  mo.  cloth.     $1.00. 

HENRY  ALTEMUS,  PUBLISHER. 
PHILADELPHIA. 

Copyright,   1896,  BY  HONRY  ALTEMUS. 


:>■ 


-i: 


I     ! 


1     i 


Henry  Altemus,  Manufacturer 
PHILADtLPHlA 


CONTENTS 


INTRODUCTION    . 


11 


CEIAPTER   I 

THE   PELVIC   ORGANS 

Iinpre<rnation— Punishment   for  Destruction  of 
Jjife  —  Growth  —  i'he  Mammary  Glands  . 

CHAPTER   II 

MENSTRUATION 

|me  of  Appearance — Necessity  of  Care — Dan- 
gers of  Cold— Batliin^— Napkins— Remedies 
— Exercise— Interruptions — Vicarious  Men- 
struation—Cessation—The Menopause— En- 
durance—Relief— The  Home-Maker    . 

CHAPTER   III 

INDICATIONS  OF  PREGNANCY 

Bsation    of  Menses— Morning    Sickness— En- 
largement of  Breasts— Other  Symptoms— 


17 


26 


(5) 


6  CONTENTS 

Quickening  —  False  Tndicntions  —  Medical 
Kxamination — Spurious  J^regnaney — Dura- 
tiun  of  Pregnancy — Twins — Sex  . 

CHAPTER    IV 

THE  PROGRESS   OF   PREt} NANCY 

Preparation — Points  to  be  Noted — luij)ortanceof 
Fluid — Tension  of  Skin — Bandage — Use  of 
Oil — Care  of  the  Breasts — The  Nipples — 
Motion — Interference  with  Breathing — Men- 
strual Periods  —  Evacuations  — Walking — 
Pain — The  Nurse — Selection — Engagement 
— Meals — Duties 

CHAPTER   V 

FOOD 

Meat — Made  Dishes — Gravy — St.  Patrick's  Pie— 
Delicate  Mince — Tomato  Mince — Creamed 
Chicken — Steaks  and  Chops — Fish — Eggs — 
Egg  Lenionade — Egg  Broth — Albumen — 
Baked  Eggs —  Parmesan  Eggs —  Dropped 
Eggs  on  Rice — Rice — Tapioca  Cream — Deli- 
cate Pudding — Rice  and  Apple  Pudding — 
Cheese — Cheese  Scallop — Cheese  Toast — 
Cheese  Crusts  —  Cheese  Puffs  —  Cereals — 
Oatmeal  Bread — Oatmeal  Cakes — Oatmeal 
Tea  Cake — Choice  of  Food — Potato  Soup — 
Tomato  Soup — Tomatoes — Green  Tomatoes 
— Potatoes  —  Brussels  Potatoes  —  Panned 
Potatoes — Potato  Puffs — Green  Vegetables 
— Cabbage  — Canned  Corn —  Fruit —  Baked 
Bananas —  Beverages — Tea — Coffee —  Cocoa 


in 
ih 
Ji 
O 
bi 
D 


re  o: 


W 

Fo 
in 


The  M 

Dr 
cisi 
Ex 


Nftcessi 
lax 

£   Inc 
Mo 


CONTKNTS 

—Hot  Milk— Tieinonade—Oninpeade— Food 
in  Nanseii— Milk— Peptonizcnl  Milk— Di^-ost- 
ihle  Milk  — llcnnot  (^u•(l— Hccf  Tea— Beef 
Juice— ( Miiok(Mi  Broth— ( ):itinejil  (iruel  — 
Oyster  Hroth- <nnn  Arahic  Water  — Al- 
buiiieuizeil  \\'ator  —  Koiimiss  —  Kflfect  of 
Diet — Longings 

CIIAPrEll  VI 

BATHS 

CJire  of  the  Body— Caution  in  Bathing— Friction 
—Plunge  Bath— Sponge  Bath— Cold  Bath- 
Warm  Bath— Sitz  Bath— Foot  Bath— Cold 
Foot  Bath— Foot  Bath  in  Bed— Sponge  Bath 
in  Bed— Baby's  First  Bath— Local  Baths- 
Eye  Baths 


64 


95 


CHAPTER  VII 


EXERCISE 

The  Muscles  —  Walking  —  Stairs —  Breathing — 
Driving — Sitting — Standing — Physical  Exer- 
cise— Gardening —  Precautions  —  Massage — 
Exercise  in  Bed 

CHAPTER  VIII 

REST 

Necessity  of  Rest — Rest  During  the  Day — Re- 
laxation— Waste  of  Power — Out-door  Rest 
— Change  of  Occupation — Sleep — Means  of 
Liducing  Sleep — Friction — Bed  Covering — 
Morning  Sleep— Night  Light— Bed  Time— 


108 


1 


8 


CONTENTS 


Ventilation— Oxygen  —  TIeat  —  Pure  \*.r — 
Ways  of  Ventilating— Sources  of  Cuntauji- 
nation — Temperature 

CHAPTER  IX 

CLOTHING 

Principles —  Result  of  Pressure — Shoes — Stock- 
ings—  Stocking  Supporters — Red  Socks — 
TTnderwear  —  Waists  —  Skirts  —  Maternity 
Presses — Wrappers — Out-door  Garments — 
Color — Night-dress      .... 

CHAPTER  X 

THE  baby's  wardrobe 

Patterns  —  Samples  —  Ready-made  Clothing  — 
Number  of  Garments — Rands  —  Shirts — 
Petticoats — Napkins —  Pads —  Night-slips — 
Dresses —  Studs  — W  rapper  s —  Sock  s — 
Blankets —  Jackets — Cloak —  Hood— Bibs — 
Bib-pins      ....        ... 

CHAP'^^.R  XI 

THE  baby's  belongings 

The  Basket — Contents — Carrying  Basket — The 
Clothes  Press — Sachets  —  Bassinettes — The 
Bed —  Pillows — Cribs —  Cradles —  Protectors 
— Blankets — Coverlids — P  i  1 1  o  w  Case  s — 
Hammocks  —  Toilet  Apparatus  —  Folding 
Bath— Tin  Tub— Toilet  Sets— Wash  Stands 
— Powder  Boxes — Comb      .... 


I 


Th( 


Th( 


Sens 


CONTENTS 


9 


VI 


1  ^ 


15 


CIIAPTKR  XII 

THE  MOTIIKU'S    ROOM 

Situation— Windows—  Floor— HtHlstoad  — Red— 
Couch  —  Tables  —  Chiiirs  —  Screen  —  Orna- 
ments—Flowers— Substitute  lor  Commode  .  107 

THE   MOTIIEFl's   COMFORT 

The  Haby's  Room— Uod  I'ads— I'ads— I^inders 
—Night-dresses  — iJed  Jackois— Wrappers 
—  Necessaries— Syrin.tjc—  Hot-water  Bag — 
Bed  Pan— Bed  'i\ible— Wasli  Cloths    .         .  205 

CHAPTER  XIII 

THE  MENTAL  STATE 

The  Ideal — Physical  Impressions — Fears — Self- 
denial  —  Hereditary  Disease — Occupation  — 
Influence  on  Sex — On  Intellectual  Capacity — 
Influence  of  the  Mother       .         .         .         .  214 

CHAPTER  XIV 

AILMENTS 

Sense  of  Weight — Morning  Sickness — Indiges- 
tion—  Constipation — Piles —  Ivlenia — Swell- 
ing of  the  Legs — Varicose  Veins — Rupture 
of  a  Vein  —  Salivation  —  Faintness  —  Dis- 
coloration of  the  Skin — Loucorrhoea — Sleep- 
lessness— Consulting  a  Physician  .        .  226 

CHAPTER  XV 

MLSCARRL\r,E 

fauses —  Symptoms — Treatment — Convalescence  247 


10 


CONTENTS 


CHAFFER  XVI 

PREMATURE  CONFINEMENT 

Symptoms  —  Trcutment— Care  of  the  Baby  — 

Clothing — Wasliing —  Incubators —  Food— 

Gavage—Exccssive  Care      .... 

CHAPTER  XVII 

LABOR 

Beginning  —  Stages  —  Cord  — After-birth  —  The 
Mother's  Needs — After-pains — Emergency 
— Removing  Stains — Tlie  Doctor's  Comfort  . 

CHAPTER  XVIII 

AFTER-CARE  OF  THE  MOTHER 

Rest— Food— The  Supply  of  Milk— Care  of  the 
Breasts — Cleanliness — The  Hair — The  Eyes 
— Medicine — Points  to  be  Mentioned — Milk 
Leg — Convalescence — Confidence  in  Doctor  . 

CHAPTER  XIX 

AFTER-CARE   OF  THE  CHILD 

Care  of  the  Cord  —Rupture — Warmth — Position 
— Nursing — Washing  the  Mouth — Interval 
of  Feeding — Feeding — Cream  Food — Lime 
Water — Sterilizing  Milk — Peptonizing  Milk 
— Vomiting — Amount  of  Food — Temper- 
ature of  Food — Nursing  Bottle — Movements 
— The  Fontanelles — Care  of  the  Eyes — 
Hearing —  Red  Gum — Jaundice — Thrush — 
Colic — Increase  in  Weiglit — Mother  Love    . 


2.)} 


L*t' 


27i 


201 


2.')4 


INTRODUCTION 


2t'2 


2To 


291 


The  preparation  for  motherhood  should  begin  in 
early  girlhood.  It  is  the  mothers  of  to-day  who  are 
training  the  mothers  of  the  next  generation.  As 
tliey  deal  wisely,  or  unwisely,  with  the  souls  and 
bodies  of  their  charges,  the  children  of  the  future  are 
helped,  or  hindered,  in  their  equipment  for  the  battle 
of  1  i  i\\ 

It  has  been  the  fashion  to  educate  girls  in  total 
ignorance  of  the  subjects  that  in  coming  years  many 
of  tlieni  will  most  require  to  be  fully  informed  upon. 

The  structure  of  their  own  physical  frames,  the 
laws  that  govern  the  reproduction  of  the  sp(>cios, 
the  proper  care  of  children,  before  and  after 
birth,  demand  and  should  have  at  least  as  much  at- 
tention as  the  study  of  foreign  languages,  or  the 
higher  mathematics. 

Motherhood  is  the  natural  lot,  as  well  as  tlie 
crowning  glory  of  woman.     Even  if  she  did  not  at- 

(11) 


,1 1 


I! 


!i* 


ii' 


12 


INTRODUCTION 


tain  it  herself,  it  would  do  the  individual  woman 
no  harm  to  be  thoroughly  furnished  with  the  ihr- 
essary  knowledge,  and  there  are  few  who  at  som* 
time  do  not  have  to  care  for  the  children  of  others. 

There  is  nothing  indelicate  in  the  secrets  of  natur< 
We  may  look  with  pure  and  reverent  eyes  at  h( 
processes,  as  far  as  she  permits  their  mysterious  work- 
ings to  be  seen,  and  find  only  cause  for  awe  and  ad- 
miration. Unseen  but  ev^r  present  is  the  Lord  ano 
Giver  of  Life,  in  whom  we  live  and  move  and  hav' 
our  being. 

If  the  sacredness  of  life,  even  in  its  earliest  stages, 
were  more  deeply  impressed  upon  the  minds  of 
some  women,  it  might  lessen  the  tragedies  of  ruined 
health  and  burdened  conscience  that  overshadow  to' 
manv  homes. 

It  is  true  that  some  women  are  laden  with  bur- 
dens beyond  their  strength  to  bear,  and  maternitv 
from  its  too  frequent  recurrence  becomes  an  ojiprcs- 
sive  weight,  instead  of  the  blessing  it  was  intended  t 
be.  The  remedy  does  not  lie  in  the  desperate  woiuai: 
taking  the  law  into  her  own  hands  and  staining  lui 
soul  with  crime  by  crushing  the  germ  of  the  new 
life  just  begun.  This  is  fraught  with  terrible  con- 
sequences to  body  and  soul  alike.  After  the  birtl. 
of  the  child,  the  best  and  wisest  physician  withii. 


fi^ts 


INTRODUCTION 


13 


lal  woman 

ii  the  11*  »- 
10  at  soiiit 
of  otheir 
s  of  natiiiv 
eyes  at  he; 
rious  work- 
.we  and  ad- 
m  Lord  aim 
^e  and  hav' 

rliest  stap;p>, 
(  minds  of 
es  of  ruiiuHi 
H'sbadow  t()i 

with  bur- 
materniiy 

|.s  an  oppn  V 

intended  I' 

(rate  woiiuii; 

staining  lu'i 

lof  the  HOW 

irrible  eon- 

\.v  the  birtl 

iciaa  withiii 


Wach  should  i)e  consulted  and  his  advice  implicitly 
followed  in  the  future. 

If  mothers  talked  frankly  yet  modestly  with  their 
daiiiihters,  first  informino;  themselves  and  then 
teachiufi:  their  children  some  of  the  great  central 
focts  of  life,  there  would  be  less  unhappiness,  suffer- 
ing and  ill  health.  The  barrier  between  mother 
and  dauu;hter,  that  prevents  the  frankness  and  con- 
fidence that  ought  to  exist  between  them,  is  often 
raised  in  very  early  childhood. 

The  little  girl,  as  her  curiosity  awakens,  comes  to 
her  mother  with  questions  which  .should  be  truth- 
folly  answered,  as  far  as  it  is  possible  to  make  the 
subject  plain  to  her  limited  comprehension.  In- 
stead of  this  she  is  put  off  with  some  well-worn 
fiction,  which  she  soon  discovers  to  be  untrue.  Her 
absolute  trust  in  her  mother  is  shaken,  never  to  be 
wholly  restored,  and  she  seeks  from  others  who  have 
no  right  to  give  it  the  information  she  should  have 
had  from  the  one  whose  dutv  it  was  to  have  ira- 
parted  it. 

Why  should  the  mother,  of  all  others^  be  the  one 
to  shrink  from  guarding  the  purity  of  her  child's 
Blind?  Innocence  is  not  ignorance,  but  reverent 
knowledge.  It  is  the  atmosphere  wliich  surrounds 
ai  object  that  gives  it  its  coloring.  The  simple 
^ts   of  physiology,  properly    taught,  convey    nq 


14 


irTRODUCTTON 


I    !fi!! 


II 

I'   I  i 


■  -  J- 

■*■ 

devo 

this  I 
who 
this  I 
for  11] 

Th 
a  wor 


safety 
and  St 
been  j 

Wli 


hint  of  impropriety.  Viewed  through  the  mediun, 
of  a  vulgar  secrecy,  as  something  only  to  be  spoken 
of  with  hated  breath,  they  acquire  a  fictitious  im- 
modesty which  in  no  way  belongs  to  them. 

Many  wise  mothers  have  recognized  their  obli>ra- 
tions  to  their  children   in  this  matter,  but  there  ar 
many,    many    others,    who    have    neglected    them    gafui,, 
There  are  many,  too,  who  would  be  glad  to  fiilti    tpQgV 
them  if  they  knew  the  way. 

Make  this  a  principle  in  the  elementary  teachiii'j 
never  tell  a  child  anything  that  is  not  absolute] 
true.  Draw  illustrations  at  first  from  plant  and  an 
imal  life.  Describe  in  simple  language  the  wonder  fj^mg 
ful  structure  of  the  pelvic  organs.  Tell  how  day  In  functic 
day  the  little  fiame  grows  until  the  child  is  [)erfectci  cleanli 
and  the  tiny,  helpless  being  comes  into  the  world  t^  are  all 
be  loved  and  cherished.  Further  details  can  be  kf;  child  Ik 
until  the  inquirer  is  older,  but  there  need  never  1>  sible  fi 
silly  mystery  in  the  beginning.  doing 

A  good  ^ext  book  of  physiology  for  mothers  i  fulness 
needed.  Those  in  use  in  schools  do  not  deal  wit:  gyer  b 
the  pelvis  further  than  to  say  that  it  contains  soni      J^  .^ 

important  organs,  which  is  not  sufficient  informatidexplioit 
for  women.  The  text  books  intended  for  studriii  in  gi^.)., 
of  medicine  are  too  technical  fi)r  the  ordinary  readcJater  vo 
and  presuppose  a  knowledge  that  she  does  not  liavtbriefly  1 
This  being  the  case,  it  was  thought  that  a  cha[)t6i 


INTRODUCTION 


15 


devoted  to  this  subject  woiikl  not  be  out  of  plaee  in 
e  medium  ^j^jg  ,„.,„ij.ii.  Jt  niay  be  of  use  and  interest  to  those 
)e  spoken  ^^^  dv^'ive  to  know  something  of  the  anatomy  of 
tlous   im-     ^jjjg  region  and  yet  have  not  time  nor  opportunity 

for  more  extenckid  study. 
i'lv  obliira-        jjj^,  „^,),.(3  vigorous,  heaUhy  and  well-developed 
there  ar     ^^  woman  is,  the  better  elianee  she  has  of  coming 
:ed    them    gafely  through  the  i)erils  of  child-bearing.     It  is 
1  to   fulh    ^j.^Q  tl,^^  delicate  women  do  pass  through  them  in 
safety,  but  their  children  are  apt  to  have  less  vitality 
,'  teacliiH':    and  stren<rth  of  constitution  than  if  the  mothers  had 
absolutei;   bggn  physically  finer  specimens  of  womanhood. 
Lut  and  an       Whatever  then  tends  to  build  up  and  develop  the 
he  wonder-  frame  of  the  girl  prepares  her  the  better  to  fulfil  the 
ow  day  by  function   of   motherhood.      Good    food,  pure   air, 
perfecte  I  cleanliness,  exercise,  proper  clothing,  sufficient  sleep, 
le  world  ti  are  all  means  to  the  end.     From  her  daughter's  early 
can  be  let!  childhood  the  mother  should  bear  in  mind  her  pos- 
jd  never  k  sible  future  and  strive  to  prepare  her  for  it.     In  so 
doing  she  will  greatly  add  to  her  capability  for  use- 
mothers  i  fulness  and  to  her  happiness  in  life,  whether    she 

deal  M'it;  ever  becomes  a  mother  or  not. 
tains  soni  In  a  previous  book,  '^The  (.'are  of  Children/' 
n format io; explicit  directions  are  given  for  the  care  of  children 
pr  studni!  in  sickness  and  health  from  their  birth  until  their 
Inary  read'  later  youth,  so  that  this  subject  has  been  only  very 
s  not  havtbriefly  touched  upon  in  the  present  volume, 
t  a  chaptc: 


ill! 

If  I 


hii 


tl!l 


Ml 
III 

lii 

1; 


( t 


Hi 


PEEPARATION 


FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


CHAPTER  I 


THE  PELVIC  ORGANS 

The  vv'ord  pelvis  is  derived  from  a  Greek  term 
"meaning  p.  dish,  or  bowl.  It  is  the  bony  basin  form- 
ing the  lower  part  of  the  body.  The  hip  bones  are 
the  highest  point  on  each  side.  From  these  it  slopes 
down  nntil  in  front  there  is  only  a  comparatively 
narrow  rim  called  the  pubic  arch.  The  side  of  the 
bowl  below  this  is  cut  awav,  and  it  is  under  this 
arch  that  the  child  passes  at  the  time  of  birth. 

Stretching  across  the  pelvis  is  a  broad  bund,  or 
ligament,  dividing  it  into  two  parts,  firmly  attached 
to  it  on  each  side.  This  supports  in  the  middle  the 
Oterus,  or  womb,  where  the  child  lives  and  grows 
from  its  earliest  conception  until  it  is  born.  Leading 
from  each  side  of  the  uterus,  at  the  upper  part,  are 
Iwo  tiny  tubes,  about  four  inches  long,  called  the 

m  '    2  ,  (17) 


18 


PREPARATION   FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


M 


111! 


M  I 


FalIoi>ian  tubes.  These  are  to  convey  the  little  otrg 
from  the  place  where  it  is  formed  into  the  uterus, 
They  lie  along  the  broad  ligament,  but  one  end  i^ 
free  and  furnished  with  a  delicate  fringe.  Below 
these  tubes,  also  supported  by  the  broad  ligameiii, 
are  two  oval  bodies  called  the  ovaries.  These  con- 
tain the  eggs  which  hold  tiie  germ  of  the  future  life. 
The  eggs  are  so  tiny  that  it  would  take  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  of  them  to  reach  an  inch. 

In  front  of  the  uterus  lies  the  bladder,  behind  it 
the  rectum,  or  lower  part  of  the  large  intestine,  ofuii 
called  the  back  passage,  and  leading  directly  to  it> 
mouth  is  the  vagina,  or  front  })assage,  through  which 
the  child  makes  its  entrance  to  the  world. 

The  uterus  is  something  like  a  pear  in  shape,  with 
the  broad  end  turned  uppermost.  It  has  thick  walls, 
but  is  a  very  small  organ  in  the  virgin  state.  Then 
it  is  only  about  three  inches  long  and  two  w^ide  at 
the  broadest  part,  and  w^eighs  from  an  ounce  to  an 
ounce  and  a  half.  When  it  contains  a  child  new 
material  is  added  to  it,  and  it  increases  greatly  in 
size.  After  delivery  it  gradually  shrinks,  but  never 
quite  regains  its  former  dimensions. 

If  the  newly-made  mother  stands  and  walks  too 
soon,  the  weight  of  the  uterus  is  apt  to  stretch  the 
broad  ligament,  which,  not  being  elastic  like  a  piece 
of  India  rubber,  remains  in  this  state.     The  uterus, 


D 

I  little  e^rg 
he  uterus, 
3ne  oiul  is 
e.  Beliw 
ligament, 
These  con- 
future  \\i\\ 
le  hundred 

t 

r,  behind  it 
^stine,  often 
[•ectly  to  it- 
ough  whieli 

shape,  willi 

thick  walls, 

ate.     Then 

wo  "vvide  at 

unce  to  an 

child  now 

greatly  in 

,  but  never 

\\  walks  too 

stretch  the 

like  a  piece 

'he  uterus, 


CONCEPTION 


19 


Bot  being  properly  held  in  place,  descends  too  h)\v, 
and  the  patient  snilers  iron»  wiiat  is  popularly  known 
as  falling  of  the  womb.  This  is  a  very  painful  con- 
dition, giving  rise  to  backache  and  many  uncom- 
fortable nervous  feelings.  It  is  very  im[)ortant  that 
there  should  be  rest  in  bed  for  nine,  or  ten,  days,  and 
great  care  should  be  exercised  in  walking,  or  stand- 
ing, for  some  time,  as  the  uterus  does  not  return  to 
its  usual  size  for  about  six  weeks.  The  motion  of 
going  uj>  and  down  stairs  is  particularly  injurious, 
and  should  be  avoided  as  long  as  possible. 

■||  c()NCf:ptiox 

I  At  the  time  of  menstruation  an  unusual  supply 
blood  is  sent  to  the  pelvic  organs.  An  egg  on 
the  surface  of  the  ovary  l)ecomes  ripe,  bursts  the 
shell,  or  envelope,  that  surrounds  it,  and  falls  into 
the  free  end  of  the  Fallopian  tube,  the  fringelike 
extremity  of  the  tube  resting  belov/  and  against  the 
ovary.  The  tube  is  lined  with  a  delicate  membrane, 
lined  with  hairlike  filaments  which  beckon  the  egg 
towards  the  uterus.  If  it  is  impregnated,  it  lodges 
in  the  cavity  of  the  uterus  and  begins  to  grow  there. 
If  not  impregnated,  it  ])asses  through  the  uterus 
and  is  carried  off  throudi  the  vasrina. 
;  The  semen,  or  seed  of  the  male,  entering  the 
i|terus  from  the  vagina,  in  which  passage  it  is  sup- 


20 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


posed  to  remain  for  about  twenty  minutes,  meets  the 
egg,  usually  in  the  Fall()[>ian  tube.  The  passage  of 
the  egg  through  the  tube  occupies,  it  is  said,  from 
ten  to  fourteen  days.  After  it  is  cast  out  from  the 
uterus  nothing  remains  to  be  impregnated  until  the 
next  menstruation  shows  that  another  egg  has 
ripened.  It  is  said  that  the  semen  retains  its  vitality 
for  eight,  or  ten,  days,  so  that  if  it  finds  its  way  into 
the  uterus,  or  tubes,  within  that  time  before  men- 
struation, it  may  lie  there  awaiting  the  coming  e^^g 
and  stimulate  it  into  life.  There  is  thus  about  one 
week  in  the  month  when  it  is  probable  conception 
will  not  take  place. 


I .. 


PUNISHMENT   FOR   DESTRUCTION   OF   LIFE 

From  the  moment  that  the  semen  penetrates  the 
egg  and  unites  with  it,  life  begins,  and  its  destruc- 
tion is  a  crime  that  can  only  be  called  by  one  name 
— murder. 

In  some  States  it  is  punishable  by  death  if  the 
mother  herself  is  the  guilty  person. 

When  the  crime  is  committed  by  another  the  pen- 
alty is  imprisonment  for  twenty  years. 


GROWTH 

The  impregnated  egg  leaves  the  Fallopian  tube 

and  attaches  itself  tQ  th(?  wall  of  the  uterus,  usually 


GROWTH 


21 


neets  the 
issage  of 
lid,  from 
from  the 
until  the 
egg    has 
s  vitality 
way  into 
ore  mou- 
rning etig 
ibout  one 
;onception 


LIFE 

trates  the 
s  destruc- 
one  name 

ath  if  the 

jr  the  pen- 


)pian  tube 
8,  usually 


in  the  upper  part,  and  its  growth  commences.  It  is 
loon  surrounded  l)y  a  covering  of  membrane,  calh'd 
the  amniotic  sac,  which  alter  a  time  is  filled  with  a 
fluid  in  which  the  child  floats.  At  the  time  of  birth 
this  amounts  to  about  a  quart.  When  the  sac  rup- 
tures to  permit  the  escaj)e  of  the  child,  the  liquid 
comes  awav,  and  this  is  known  as  the  breaking  of 

the  waters. 

The  liquid  protects  the  child  from  accidental 
injury  from  a  sudden  jolt,  or  jar,  to  the  mother.  It 
also  defends  the  uterus  from  contact  with  the  hard 
surface  of  the  child.  At  the  time  of  birth,  when 
^e  mouth  of  the  uterus  begins  to  unclose,  the  bag 
of  water  slips  into  the  aperture  like  a  wedge  and 
holds  it  open,  preventing  it  from  closing  until  it  is 
fully  ex[)anded  to  permit  the  outward  passage  of  the 
ehild. 

During  the  time  that  it  is  within  the  uterus  the 
infant  receives  air  and  nourishment  through  the 
umbilical  cord,  which  is  attached  to  its  navel.  This 
begins  to  grow  at  the  end  of  the  first  month,  and  is 
about  twenty  inches  long  when  finished.  It  contains 
two  arteries  and  a  vein,  through  which  the  child's 
blood  is  carried  to  the  mother  for  purification  and 
enrichment,  and  returned  to  build  up  the  fast-grow- 
jpig  frame. 
I  At  first  the  wall  of  the  uterus,  much  :\ickened 


22 


PRKP A  RATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


till. 


ijM 
"li 
u 
ti 


and  enlarged,  contains  sufficient  blood  vessels  ti 
supply  the  demands  of  the  new  organism.  After  a 
tim(,'  more  is  required,  and  during  the  third  moiitl, 
the  placenta  is  formed.  This  is  a  Hat,  spongclik. 
mass,  growing  on  the  inner  wall  of  the  uterus,  filKd 
with  blood  vessels  through  which  the  blood  of  tin 
mother  freely  circulates.  One  end  of  the  undjilicii 
cord  is  attached  to  it,  so  that  the  blood  of  the  cliil(i 
also  flows  into  it.  The  two  fluids  never  mini:l(. 
however,  being  separated  by  a  thin  membrane,  tin 
walls  of  the  blood  vessels. 

Oxygen,  the  gas  in  the  air  which  sustains  life, 
and  nourishment  already  prepared  by  the  mother, 
pass  through  this  thin  dividing  membrane,  are  al> 
sorbed  by  the  blood  of  the  child  and  carried  back 
throu<]:h  the  umbilical  cord. 

When   the    child    has    been    expelled    from   the 
uterus,  the  placenta,  having  served  its  purpose,  fol- 
lows.    It  is  commonly  called  the  after-birth.     It  i? 
about  eight,  or  nine,  inches  long,  six,  or  seven,  wide,  • 
and  weighs  about  a  pound  and  a  quarter. 

The  vagina,  or  front  passage,  through  which  tlit 
child  enters  the  world,  is  a  canal  about  five,  or  .<i.\ 
inches  long,  leading  directly  to  the  uterus,  wIiom 
mouth  opens  into  the  upper  end.  The  walls  are 
very  elastic  and  stretch  to  permit  so  large  a  body  to 
pass  through  it. 


■i^f 


vessels  t'j 
I.  After  a 
)ird  inoiitli 
spongelikt 
terus,  fillt'd 
loud  of  tilt 
}  unibiliiai 
f  the  cliild 
'er  niiiiL'lt. 
nljrane,  tlit 

istains  lite. 
he  mother, 
iiie,  are  ah- 
arried  back 


from  tlif 
urpose,  i'ol- 
irth.  It  b 
jeven,  wide, 


I  which  tlii 
five,  or  six 
;rus,  whot 
e  walls  an 
e  a  bodv  to 


OROW^TH 


28 


The  ])erineiini,  a  i)art  of  wliicli  extends  from  the 
Ipwer  part  of  the  ()j)eiiinoj  of  the  va«;ina,  backwards 
towards  tiie  rectum,  is  sometimfs  torn  when  the 
chiM  is  of  an  inni>iial  size,  or  tiic  ])arts  are  par- 
ticularlv  unyieldinj;.  The  doctor  in  attendance  often 
puts  in  a  few  stitches  at  the  time  to  repair  tho 
breach.  If  for  any  reason  he  thinks  it  best  not  to 
do  so  immediately,  he  will  })robably  take  advantage 
of  the  earliest  oiportnnity  to  perform  the  operation. 
It  is  a  comparatively  slight  one,  and  if  left  nndone 
gives  rise  to  unpleasant  results.  The  j)erineum  in 
women  helps  to  supi)()rt  the  vagina,  uterus  and 
bladder.  Its  rupture  permits  their  displacement 
and  causes  much  discomfort — sometimes  serious  iu- 
flOnvenience  and  suffering. 

Close  to  the  upper  part  of  the  opening  of  the 
vagina,  outside,  is  a  tiny  orifice,  the  month  of  the 
urethra,  or  passage  leading  to  the  bladder.  This 
canal  is  about  an  inch  and  a  half  long.  After  child- 
birth it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  draw  the  water  for 
a  day  or  two,  the  mother  having  temporarily  lost 
the  power  of  passing  it  herself  This  is  not  a  for- 
aoidable  operation,  and  usually  gives  little,  some- 
^mes  no,  pain.  A  catheter,  a  flexible  tube  of  rubber, 
or  one  of  glass,  made  for  the  purpose,  is  gently  in- 
jerted  in  the  urethra  and  pushed  on  until  it  enters 
lie  bladder,  when  the  water  flows  out  through  it. 


24 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


THE   MAMMARY  GLANDS 

Although  not  situated  in  the  pelvis,  there  are  two 
other  organs  that  have  an  important  function  in  the 
process  of  rej)roduction.  These  are  the  breasts, 
properly  called  the  mammary  glands.  The  word 
Mamma  is  derived  from  the  same  Latin  word. 

Each  breast  is  composed  of  fifteen  or  twenty  lobes, 
in  which  the  milk  is  secreted.  Each  lobe  has  a  little 
duct  which  carries  the  milk  to  the  nipple.  The  tiny 
openings  can  be  seen  on  its  surface  when  the  milk  i; 
squeezed  from  it.  The  darker  skin  around  the  nip- 
ple is  called  the  areola. 

The  breasts  begin  to  enlarge  early  during  preg- 
nancy, usually  about  the  beginning  of  the  second 
month,  to  fit  them  for  their  office  of  secreting  nour- 
ishment for  the  baby  after  its  birth.  They  become 
sensitive  and  a  tingling  sensation  is  felt  in  tluni. 
The  veins  show  more  prominently  on  the  surflice, 
A  little  later  the  nipples  become  enlarged,  darker 
and  more  sensitive.  During  the  last  three  months  a 
milky  fluid  can  be  pressed  from  them.  The  areola 
also  swells  and  darkens. 

Nature  provides  in  every  \vay  possible  for  the 
safety  of  mother  and  child.  The  pelvis  is  broader 
and  the  bones  lighter  in  women  than  in  men.  It  i? 
composed  of  several  bones,  and  during  pregnane} 
the  connections  between  them  become  softened  aiii 


.> », 


^? 


,■11 


3D 


THE   MAMMARY   GLANDS 


25 


ere  are  t\v(j 

;tion  in  the 

lie   breasts, 

The  word 

word. 

,'enty  lolx's, 

has  a  little 

The  tiny 

the  milk  is 

Qcl  the  nip- 


the  bones  slightly  separate,  so  as  to  yield  more 
readily  to  pressure  and  give  as  much  room  as  can 
be  obtained. 

The  soft  parts  also  become  more  elastic  and  en- 
large. 


iring  prog- 
the  second 
2ting  noiir- 
ley  become 
t  in  tlicni. 
he  surface, 
^ed,  darker 
le  months  a 
The  areola 


)le  for  the 
1  is  broader 
lien.  It  i? 
pregnancy 
)ftened  ani 


MMMNIiUa 


J    i 


CHAPTER  II 


MENSTRUATION 


So 
a  mei 
escap 
it  fre 
but  tl 
Th 
brighi 
lasts 
The  increased  supply  of  blood  sent  to  the  pd  a  half 
organs  at  the  time  of  the  ripening  and  dischaivi  Wli 
an  egg  from  tlie  ovary  causes  tiny  blood  vosxl^  physic 
the  lining  of  the  uterus  to  rupture,  and  prodiid  great, 
flow  of  blood  known  as  the  menses.  The  ten:  the  flo 
derived  from  a  Latin  word  meaning  month,  and  Som 
name  is  given  because  the  discharge  occurs  al  every 
every  twenty-eight  days.  than  o 

Others 

TIME   OF   APPEARANCE  ^^^  , 

The  time  of  its  first  appearance  varies  very  ii; 
in  different  persons  and  under  different  conditi 
Girls  who  live  in  a  cold  climate  and  wiio  arc  ^tr     ^n 
and   hardy  are  not  unwell   as  early  as  their  iito  be 
delicate  sisters,  or  those  whose  home  is  in  a  ^v;backa( 
country.     PJven  in  temperate  latitudes  the  flow  S'  It  is 
times  begins  at  eleven  years  of  age,  and  it  niayful  of 
come  until  fifteen.     If  it  is  delayed  longer  than  them  t 
a  physician  should  be  consulted.  The 

'  (26) 


\\ 


Ml 


NECESSITY   OF   CARE 


27 


Sometimes  the  opening  of  the  vagina  is  dosed  by 
a  membrane,  called  the  hymen,  whieh  prevents  the 
escape  of  the  fluid,  and  it  has  to  be  removed  to  give 
it  free  passage.  This  is  a  very  trifling  operation, 
but  the  consequences  of  neglecting  it  are  serious. 

The  discharge   is  at   first   pale,   then   becomes  a 
bright  red,   and  towards  the  last  paler  again.     It 
lasts  from  three  to  six  days,  and  from  a  quarter  to 
;  to  the  pel  a  half  i)int  is  lost. 

i  discharuv  When  a  Iarg(»r  quantity  than  this  is  discharged,  a 
ood  vosseh  j)hy8ician  should  be  consulted,  as  the  drain  is  too 
[id  produ((  great.     Iron,  or  some  other  tonic,  is  needed  to  check 

Tiie  ton:  the  flow. 
nonth,  and      Some  women  menstruate  slightly  more  often  than 
3  occurs  al  every  twenty-eight  days.     When  it  occurs  oftener 
than  once  in  three  weeks,  advice  should  be  obtained. 
Others  are  only  unwell  once  in  two  months  and  yet 
^  seem  to  be  in  perfect  health, 

ries  very  n;      1| 

cut   COnditi         m  NECESSITY   OF   CARE 

who  are  ^u  Any  disturbance  of  the  menstrual  function  is  sure 
as  their  nto  be  attended  with  nervous  synij)toins,  headache, 
is  in  a  w. backache,  and    sometimes    pain    in    the    abdomen. 

i  the  flows' It  is  worth  while  for  mothers  to  be  especiallv  care- 

md  it  niayful  of  their  daughters  at  this  period,  and  to  teach 

onger  than  them  to  take  care  of  themselves. 

The  details  and  meaning  of  the  process  should  be 


28 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


( 


explained  to  a  girl  as  she  approaches  the  age  at  wii 
it  may  be  expected  to  begin.  It  should  be  invt? 
with  a  certain  dignity  as  the  sign  manual  of  h(r 
trance  into  the  duties  and  privileges  of  womanln 
It  is  sometimes  several  months  before  the  flov 
properly  established,  and  during  this  time  it  may 
irregular;  perhaps  not  taking  place  for  two,  or  t 
three  months,  and  then  coming  at  too  short  intn-v 
No  anxiety  need  be  felt  as  to  these  irregulari: 
during  the  first  year.  If  it  persists  after  that,  i; 
well  to  consult  a  good  physician. 

DANGER   OF   COLD 

Cold  is  a  danger  especially  to  be  avoided  at  t: 
time.  Warm  clothing  should  not  be  exchangdl 
light  weight,  even  in  hot  weather.  The  cliai 
should  be  deferred  until  the  flow  has  ceased,  (i 
ting  overheated  and  then  sitting  in  a  draught  !« 
fruitful  source  of  oold. 

The  feet  should  be  guarded  with  special  care. 
a  girl   has  the  misfortune  to  get  them   wet,  tl 
siiould  be  well  rubbed  with  alcohol,  spirits  of  ca 
phor,  or  some  stimulating  liniment.     Sitting  in  v 
shoes  and  damp  stockings  at  this  time  is  suicidal. 

While  a  girl  should  not  be  unnecessarilv  codil 
and  made  to  think  too  much  about  herself,  • 
should  be  carefully  watched,  and  if  there  is  a  te 


dene 
shoii 
in  be 


Ba 

fully 
taken 
habit  I 
Th 
easily 
l)art  ( 
dried, 
There 
every 
not  d; 
are  di 
time  I 

As 
ness  fc 
twille( 
hemni< 
they  a 
thejr  si 
four  h( 


tOOD 


BATHING — NAPKINS 


29 


\  age  at  m  li 
d  be  invo>; 
lal  of  Ixr 

womaiilii 
Te  the  11  ov 
me  it  may 
'  two,  or  ev 
lort  intri-v 

irregulaii: 
fter  that,  i; 


voided  at  t; 
xchanofcd 

The  olui! 
ceased.    (> 

draught  i- 

cial  care, 
m  wet,  tl 
)irits  of  ca 
5itting  ill  V 
s  suicidal, 
arilv  C()(K1' 
herself,  ^ 
ere  is   a  te 


dency  to  backache,  or  pain  low  in  the  abdomen,  she 
should  lie  down  often  during  the  first  days,  and  stay 
in  bed  if  there  is  much  discomfort. 

BATHING 

Bathing  during  men.struaiion  requires  to  be  care- 
fully guarded.  A  plunge  bath  never  .should  be 
taken,  nor  a  cold  bath  indulged  in,  even  if  its  use  is 
habitual  at  other  times. 

There  is  need  of  excpiisite  cleanliness,  and  this  can 
easily  be  attained  by  a  warm  .sponge  bath.  Only  a 
part  of  the  body  must  be  wet  at  once  and  rapidly 
dried,  the  feet  being  kept  warm  during  the  process. 
There  should  be  local  bathing  with  warm  water 
every  day.  The  feet  should  be  wa.shed  with  a  cloth, 
not  dipped  into  water,  and  well  rubbed  when  they 
are  dried.  Sea  bathing  must  be  prohibited  for  the 
time  being. 

NAPKINS 

A  stock  of  napkins  should  be  provided  in  readi- 
ness for  the  time  of  need.  The.se  may  be  made  of 
twilled  cotton  or  Canton  flannel,  half  a  yard  .square, 
hemmed  on  the  edges,  and  folded  into  shape  when 
they  are  put  on.  About  a  dozen  are  required,  as 
they  should  be  changed  at  least  twice  in  the  twenty- 
four  hours. 

When  washing  is  a  consideration,  pads  can  be 


uii  i:i.t.iu,uu\~immmmiieamim 


30 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


;  . 


1 1 


made  of  cheap  absorbent  cotton,  or  cotton  wasit,    ,  ^ 
covered  with  y;auze,  or  cheese  cloth.     They  aw:  ^    \  . 


stockii 


inches  long  by  three  wide,  and  nearly  an  incli  t! . i     , 

A  strip   of  gauze  at  each  end  fastens  them   v       p.   . 

girdle.     Thev  can   be  purchased   ready-made,    ,    ,    \ 
1  //  1       mi  1  ,  alcohol 

cost  about  live  cents  each,     liiey  are  burndl;  n  .^ 


use. 
''PI 


menstr 
The  most  comfortable  girdle  is  made  s<>i"*Uj,p  „^ 

like  the  yoke  of  a  skirt,  pointed  in  front  and  1,,^.^*  _r 

narrow  on  the  hips,  and   fastened  on  one  sid(  .      . 

button  and  button  hole.     A  double  piece  of  t\\ 

cotton  is  cnt  the  desired  shape  and  stitched  ^^i  v)rmpd 

the  edge.     Some  persons  prefer  an  elastic  girdk,^^ 

others,  a  wide,  soft  ribbon.  Whe 

A  girl  should  be  trained  to  take  pride  in  IkIq  ^^ 

all  her  personal  belongings  and  the  accessories  i-^^j-j^^  ^ 

toilet  as  neat  and  dainty  as  possible.     There  j^jjg  ^j 

subtle  want  of  self-respect  in  neglecting  those g  q^^  f^ 

are  seldom  seen  except  by  the  wearer. 

REMEDIES  Y'  j^ 

If  the  flow  does  not  begin  when  it  is  exptn  hors 
and  there  are  nncomfortable  feelings,  headadnd  eve 
sensation  of  weight,  or  })aiu,  in  the  abdomen,  di'  me. 
may  take  a  hot  sitz  bath,  that  is,  sit  immersed  t  ettw,  a 
hips  in  a  tub  of  hot  water,  soak  her  feet  in  \'evelope 
>vater,  and  take  a  hot  drink  of  ginger  tea,  or  In  If  pos 


Klii 


HOOD 


EXERCISE 


31 


ton  wastt,  ^.  [jefore  roin^r  to  bed.  Slir  slioukl  wear  warmor 
iiiey  ai'^ 'stockings  than  usual  the  next  clay  and  not  go  out  of 
^"^  ^"^'^' ^' the  house. 

s  them  t(       j^  jg  ^jj^^  praetlce  in  some  families  to  administer 

idy-madt'.  j^|^.q|jq|  ;„  ^,)„i(.  {[n-m,  and  even  opium,  for  the  relief 

e  b"''^^<  "^  of  the  excruciatiuo:  pain  that  sometimes  accom})anies 

menstruation.     This  never  should  be  done  without 

lade  sonict  |.jjg  ^dviee  of  a  ])hvsician.     It  does  not  strike  at  the 

1,1]  ^    *  ^ 

ront  and  i^.^^^  ^^  ^1^^  p^.jj^  which  might  be  reached  l)y  proper 

one  siuf  -reatment,  but  only  gives  temporary  ease,  and  has  to 
piece  01  t\\  -jg  repeated  each  month.  Habits  may  thus  be 
stiteiied  ill  formed  which  cause  lasting^  injury  to  mind  and 
istic  girou -j^y^  and  may  end  in  rendering  life  unendurable. 

When  the  pain  is  so  severe  that  it  will  not  yield 
H'lde  m  m'Q  the  simple  domestic  remedies  of  a  hot  drink  and 
ecessorio^'yarm  applications,  as  a  hot  water  bag,  hot  fomenta- 
e.     There  jons,  or  a  flaxseed  poultice,  to  the  abdomen,  the  case 

ting  thui^e^  one  for  a  physician's  prescription. 


EXERCISE 

Violent  exercise,  as  skating,  playing  tennis,  riding 
it  is  exptn  horseback,  bicycle  riding,  dancing  to  excess, 
Ts,  headadnd  even  long  walks,  should  be  interdicted  at  this 
(domen,  tilt  me.  q^ij^,  ^lore  quiet  a  girl  can  be  kept  the 
iimerseil  t  etter,  at  least  until  she  is  old  enough  to  be  fully 
;  feet  in  veveloped. 
'  tea,  or  lei  If  possible,  there  should  be  no  study  In  the  even- 


32 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


■I 

:l 
I 

ijiill 


ing  during  the  pi  ess  of  menstruation.  The  1 
is  taxed  sufficiently  already,  and  the  mind  sli 
not  be  permitted  to  make  an  extra  demand  upo 
This  practice  is  a  pernicious  one  at  the  best, 
should  be  discountenanced  by  parents  when 
possible.  School  is  the  place  to  study  lesson  !>  delay 
and  they  should  be  kept  there.  The  hours  at  1, 
are  too  precious  and  needed  for  too  many  other ; 
poses  to  be  devoted  to  them. 


If 

to  Ik 
come 
its  pi 
shed 


Soi 
r^uh 
dischs 
as  the 


INTERRUPTION 

If  menstruation  is  suddenly  checked  after  ii 
begun,  the  same  measures  may  be  used  to  encou:  vicari< 
its  return.  If  these  are  ineffectual,  nothinjx  r  i^endei 
need  be  done  until  the  next  period,  unless  tin  ^^nir 
very  marked  discomfort.  There  are  several  d  *"©  bl( 
and  preparations  which  can  be  administered,  Ixii  *00w  •* 
a  doctor  can  decide  when  it  is  proper  to  j)rc 
them. 

A  sudden  fright,  any  excitement,  or  stroni;  t  tTsi 
tion,  may  produce  the  ilow  unexpectedly,  or  cai  "'^»'  ^ 
to  cease  instantly.  A  chill  from  sitting  in  •  ^^own 
clothing,  or  wetting  tlie  feet,  will  often  prodiin  W*<>*e 
latter  result.  The  whole  function  seems  to  be  *  ■*•  ^^ 
tiraatelv  connected  with  the  nervous  system  tlia  ^®® 
mind  has  almost  as  much  influence  on  it  as  pliv*^"""^'^ 
causes.  ^^^  «^ 

3 


[OOD 


VICARIOUS    MENSTRUATION — CESSATION        33 


mind  sli' 
Hand  iipo: 
the  best,: 
nts   wlieii^ 

lesson  bi 
lOurs  at  1 
iny  other  i 


ed  after  il 
d  to  encoii: 

nothinii  r. 
unless  till 

several  (!• 
tered,  hut 
er  to  i)resi 

)r  strong  » 
dly,  or  car 
itting  in  '^ 
m  prod  110 
3ms  to  he  ^ 
system  tlia: 
n  it  as  pby 


If  a  woman  has  a  special  reason  for  wishing  not 
to  be  unwell,  it  is  ten  chances  to  one  that  the  unwel- 
come visitor  makes  its  appearance  on  the  very  day 
its  presence  is  least  desired.  If,  on  the  other  hand, 
she  dreads  that  she  may  not  become  so,  the  very  fear 
delays  its  arrival. 

VICARIOUS   MENSTRUATION 

Sometimes  delicate  girls  who  do  not  menstruate 
regularly,  or  who  have  a  very  scant  flow,  have  a 
discharge  of  blood  from  some  other  part  of  the  body, 
as  the  nose,  or  mouth,  at  this  time.  Tliis  is  called 
vicarious  menstruation.  There  is  seldom  enough  to 
render  it  alarming,  and  constitutional  treatment  is 
required  to  build  up  and  strengthen  the  body,  enrich 
the  blood  and  give  tone  to  the  system.  Nourishing 
food  is  an  important  factor  in  the  result. 


CESSATION 

Usually  the  cessation  of  the  menses  is  one  of  the 
first  symptoms  of  pregnancy.  Cases  have  been 
known  where  it  has  occurred  regularly  during  the 
whole  period. 

It  is  normally  absent  in  the  nursing  mother,  yet 

some  women  menstruate  even  while  nursing  their 

childi-en.     It  is  then  generally  thought  best  to  wean 

the  child.     The  milk  often  does  not  agree  with  it 
3 


34 


l>llEPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


under  those  circumstances,  and  the  double  drain  i? 
too  great  a  tax  on  the  strength  of  the  mother. 

The  nursing  period  is  sometimes  prolonged  ^vitll 
the  idea  that,  while  the  secretion  of  milk  continues, 
there  is  less  probability  of  conception  taking  j^lace. 
This  is  often  a  futile  hope.  No  baby  should  be 
nursed  after  it  is  a  year  old.  The  mother's  milk 
does  not  supply  suitable  or  sufficient  nourishment 
after  the  teeth  begin  to  develop.  This  is  nature's 
indication  that  more  solid  food  is  needed,  and  it 
should  be  given. 

THE   MENOPAUSE 

There  comes  a  time  in  a  woman's  life  when  men- 
struation finally  ceases.  This  is  the  sign  that  her 
power  of  reproduction  is  over ;  she  can  no  longer 
hope  again  to  become  a  mother.  This  period  i- 
known  as  the  menopause,  or,  more  familiarly,  as  tlit 
change  of  life. 

The  flow  does  not  stop  suddenly,  but  becomes  ir- 
regular.    There  may  be  a  great  quantity  dischargtii 
at  once,  almost  amounting  to  flooding,  and  then  nom  ' 
for  three  or  four  months.     Gradually  it  ceases  alto- 
gether. 

This  change  is  often  accompanied  by  great  dis- 
turbance of  the  system.  The  liver  is  out  of  order 
the  circulation  interfered  with,  and  the  head  affected 
There  are  uncomfortable  flashes  of  heat  over  tlif 


who] 
instil 
in  pr 

grcesj 
tiikes 

An 
the  (•( 
date  c 
Wonici 
80  unt 
not  b( 
itoensti: 

:f    A    \\ 

tfiero  n 

lid  vice. 
lould 
^<sti( 
^od  is 
mdvd  t 
not  cai 
betwee 
^fith  ill 
gSod  bJ 


• 


THE    MENOPAUSE 


35 


am  Is 

1  ^\\{\\ 

tinucs. 

place. 

uia  h 

lature's 
and  it 


en  men- 
hat  hei 
)  longer 
eriod  i- 
ly,  as  tilt 


!omes  ir- 

len  n(tnt ' 
ises  alto- 

•reat  dis- 

of  order 

affected 

over  tilt 


whole  body,  tiie  face  is  flushed  at  times,  and  in  some 
instances  the  breasts  and  abdomen  enlarge  almost  as 
in  nn'!i:nancy. 

Tiiese  disagreeable  symptoms  disappear  by  de- 
grees, and  tlie  function  is  at  an  end.  This  usually 
tiikes  place  between  the  ages  of  forty-five  and  fifty 
years. 

Authorities  differ  as  to  the  effect  that  the  time  of 
the  cniinnencement  of  menstruation  has  upon  the 
date  of  its  cessation.  It  is  said,  on  one  side,  that 
women  who  menstruate  early  in  life  continue  to  do 
80  until  later  tlian  those  with  whom  the  process  did 
not  begin  so  soon.  Others  maintain  that  delayed 
menstruation  in  youth  intimates  that  it  will  continue 
longer  in  old  age. 

A  woman  requires  great  care  at  this  time,  and  if 
^ere  is  serious  disturbance,  she  should  have  medical 
advice.  Rest  is  essential;  some  hours  of  each  day 
Sjfcould  be  spent  in  lying  down.  Often  there  is  in- 
digestion, and  the  appetite  is  capricious.  Nourishing 
food  is  very  necessary,  and  delicacies  should  be  pro- 
vided to  tempt  the  palate.  If  the  regular  meals  are 
K^t  eaten  with  relish,  something  should  be  taken 
iy|tween  them,  as  a  cup  of  cocoa,  a  glass  of  milk 
ifl^th  the  white  of  an  egg  shaken  in  it,  or  a  bowl  of 
^od  beef  tea,  or  broth. 
|KuWj  more  than  at  any  other  period  of  her  life,  it 


■M 


:]Cy 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


II 


I    1 


IS  a  woman's  duty  to  spare  herself,  if  she  wishes  ll 
a  useful  old  age. 

ENDURANCE 

The  wise  old  preacher  who  exhorted  girls  to  ; 
brave  and  boys  to  be  pure  because  each  sex  posstv 
the  other  virtue  by  natural  endowment,  eniphasi/ 
a  great  need  in  the  education  of  girls. 

All  women  have  many  trifling  ailments  a 
uncomfortable  feelings,  vague  sensations,  scaivi 
defined  enough  to  be  dignified  by  the  name  of  jia 
Perhaps  our  more  sensitive  nervous  organizat, 
renders  ns  more  susceptible  to  these  influences  tk 
men  are.  It  may  be  that  the  burden  of  petty  ^v 
ries  and  cares  most  of  us  have  to  carry,  and  the  (• 
fined,  monotonous  lives  many  of  us  lead,  open  i 
door  to  these  physical  disabilities  that  often  seen] 
us  almost  unbearably  trying. 

In  training  a  young  girl,  or  in  dealing  with  oi 
selves,  let  us  try  as  far  as  possible  to  ignore  tlu: 
above  all,  not  to  speak  <.){'  hem  and  never  to  clior 
them  as  if  they  made  i;  particularly  interestini;  a 
attractive.  A  brave  effort  to  forget  them,  and  h^: 
as  if  they  did  not  exist,  sometimes  ends  in  bauisli 
them  altogether. 

RELIEF 

When  one  is  really  unwell,  it  is  the  part  of  " 
dom  to  get  at  the  root  of  the  trouble,  find  out, 


possi 
often 
Som< 
dema 
ishiuj 
thed 
body 
It 
are  n( 
the  lil 
quired 
Insi 
oess. 
hours 
demanl 
She  g(| 
this  ill 
01^  if  SI 
a^  sill 
ttlda^ 
IMaii 
selves 
house  hi 
mandsl 
self-saci 


RELIEF 


37 


isIks  1' 


iris  to  1 

nplia>i/ 

iients  II 
3,  sc'urt' 
Lie  of  pa 
rganizai: 
lences  tli. 

petty  ^v 
ud  the  ci 
|cl,  open  I 

;en  seeiii 


g 


with  01 

riiore  iIk 

r  to  cIkt 

grestini:  ^i 

and  tti; 

11  ban  i  sir 


a 


part  of  ^^ 
find  out, 


possible,  what  is  the  matter,  and  remove  it.  Very 
often  constipation  is  at  tiie  bv)tt()m  of  the  mischief. 
Sometimes  not  enoiii,^h  food  is  taken  to  supply  the 
demands  of  tiie  system,  or  it  is  not  snlliciently  nonr- 
ishinjr.  In  otiier  cases  too  much  is  eaten,  more  than 
the  digestive  organs  can  deal  with  properly,  or  the 
body  needs. 

It  may  be  tliat  the  l)lood  is  impoverished ;  there 
are  not  enough  of  the  tiny  red  globules  that  carry 
the  life-giving  oxygen,  and  some  form  of  iron  is  re- 
quired to  increase  them. 

Insullicient  sU-ep  is  a  frequent  cause  of  nervous- 
DflBS.  The  mother  sits  up  late  and  rises  early;  the 
hours  between  are  not  long  enough  to  give  the  rest 
danand(>d  by  the  weary  frame  and  tired  nerves. 
She  gets  up  feeling  languid  and  unrefreshed,  and 
this  inevitably  makes  her  fretful  and  fault-finding, 
or,  if  she  has  self-control  enough  to  prevent  this,  sad 
aind  silent.  Rest  is  essential  to  repair  the  fatigue  of 
tte  day. 

Many  women  are  harder  task-masters  to  them- 
sdkes  than  thev  are  to  anv  other  member  of  their 
hoiiseholds.  It  is  the  self-indulgent  who  make  de- 
mands upon  others  and  coddle  themselves.  The 
self-sacrificing  spend  their  strength  too  lavishly,  and 
wHl  not  see  that  proper  care  of  themselves  and  a  due 


38 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


husbanding  of  tiieir  powers  is  a  duty  they  onm-  ; 
their  families. 

An  hour  a  day  spent  in  rest  and  sleep  by  Wdnv 
who  are  not  strong  would  contribute  more  to  t 
comfort  of  the  home  than  any  other  use  they  (oi: 
possibly  make  of  the  time.  They  would  come  i'w- 
and  bright  to  the  duties  of  the  evening,  instead 
being  too  weary  and  harassed  to  be  cheerful  col 
panions.  If  the  mother  is  to  make  the  home  t: 
brightest  spot  on  earth  to  husband  and  children,  ^ 
must  have  a  private  store  of  sunshine  to  shed  on 
She  cannot  generate  this  when  body  and  brain  a 
overtaxed  with  the  strain  of  a  long  day  of  incessa: 
work  and  anxiety. 


i'ili!i!::i 


.ililiiv 


THE  HOME   MAKER 

The  demands  of  modern  life  are  very  exactii 
It  is  often  most  difficult  to  adjust  properly  the  C' 
flicting  claiius  of  charitable  enterprises,  social  dm 
and  business  engagements.  I  think  we  wmi 
should  remember  that  we  are  first  of  all  In: 
makers.  None  can  take  our  place  there.  ) 
all  of  us  have  an  opportunity  to  exercise  > 
natural  office,  and  then  other  duties  assume  a  pa 
mount  importance.  In  this  case  we  must  lili 
where  we  are  led.  When  we  are  the  chief  fh' 
in  a  liome,  our  first  duty  is  to  it,  and  we  Im 


D 

ey  o\\  e : 

by  wonif 
ore  to  !; 
they  (oi; 
come  iVt< 
insteiul 
eerful  col 
e  home  t; 
hildren,  ^ 
)  shed  on 
1  brain  a 
of  incessa: 


'M- 


ry  exactii 
rly  the  c 
social  <liii 

\\-e   NV'iiii' 
f  all  li"; 

here.     ^ 
3xerci^^o  < 

ume  a  !« 
must  f*'li 

chief  iiH 
nd  we  lia 


THE    HOME   MAKER  39 

right  to  give  only  such  time  and  strength  as  we 
are  abundantly  well  able  to  spare  to  matters  outside 
of  it.  A  wise  choice  of  the  duties  that  lie  beyond  it, 
and  strict  attention  io  the  statute  of  limitation  in  the 
matter  of  strength  and  endurance,  would  save  many 
from  the  terrible  breakdown  that  is  known  as  ner- 
vous prostration. 

Fresh  air  is  absohitely  essential  to  keep  one  in 
health,  but  most  women  get  sufficient  exercise  in 
moving  about  their  households,  and  a  long  walk  does 
not  hring  sufficient  compensation  for  the  fatigue  it 
oaoses.  Sitting  on  the  piazza,  or  lying  in  the  ham- 
mock, in  summer,  will  often  be  more  beneficial  than 
keeping  on  one's  i'aet  to  walk.  In  winter,  wrapping 
up  warmly  and  moving  slowly  about  a  room,  with 
the  window  oTJcn,  answers  the  purpose  of  a  constitu- 
tional, and  is  not  nearly  as  tiring.  Driving  is  an 
ideal  recreation  for  tlie  woman  who  uses  her  feet 
sufficiently  indoors,  but  not  every  one  can  indulge 
in  it. 


CHAPTER  III 


l"> 


f 


INDICATIONS  OF   PREGNANCY 

There  are  a  number  of  symptoms  which  takt 
together  point  ahiiost  concUisively  to  the  fact  tb 
conception  has  occurred.     Any  one  of  tliem  seps 
rately  would  not  be  positive  evidence,  because 
might  be  duo  to  other  causes. 

CESSATION    OF   MENSES 

Usually  the  non-appearance  of  the  menstrual  fit 
is  the  first  indication  a  woman  has  that  she  is  ])iv. 
nant.     The  oversupply  of  blood  is  directed  to^\•a^ 
the  su[)port  of  the  child,  the  pressure  on  the  (ap; 
laries,  or  tiny  blood  vessels,  in  the  uterus  is  lo.s>e!io 
they  do    not   rupture   and   there   is   no   discliarp 
Menstruation  sometimes  continues  until  the  fifth. 
sixth,  month  and  tlien  ceases.      As  has   been  ti 
plained  previously,  its  cessation  may  be  due  to  cd 
excitement,  or  otlier  mental  disturbance.     Thus 
appears  that  its  presence,  or  absence,  is  not  a  posit; 
sign  one  way  or  the  other. 
(40) 


Til 


Th 


t|H 


J  ■ 


hich  takt 

le  fact  tk 

them  sepj 

because 


istrual  fl' 
^he  is  ])rt'; 
ted  towiip 
1  the  raji; 
is  lesseiH' 
►  dischar: 
the  fifili. 
Ls  been  h 
due  to  co! 
e.  Tlius 
ot  a  pushr 


MORNING  SICKNESS — QUICKENING 


41 


MORNING   SICKNESS 

Morning  sickness  is  a  feeling  of  nausea  that  oc- 
curs as  soon  as  the  head  is  raised  from  the  pillow, 
and  often  at  intervals  during  the  day,  particularly 
a^T  eat i no.  It  usually  disappears  during  the  third 
month,  but  in  some  cases  persists  until  the  end.  If 
it  is  so  serious  that  a  proper  (juautity  of  fjod  cannot 
be  taken,  or  retained,  the  doctor  should  be  consulted 
afVer  domestic  treatment  has  been  tried  in  vain. 

ENLARGEMENT   OF   THE    BREASTS 

The  enlargement  of  the  breasts,  accompanied  by 
tinghng  sensations,  is  often  noticed  during  the  first 
month.  This  symptom,  liowever,  appears  in  some 
women  at  the  time  of  menstruation,  so  it  cannot  be 
depended  upon  as  an  indication  alone. 

^B  OTHER   SYMPTOMS 

The  nav«-l,  or  umbilicus  as  it  is  properly  called, 
appears  t  ?jink  in  during  the  first  two  months. 
IlBter  i  n-M:,  again,  and  in  the  ninth  month  often 
pt-otnuks,  or  p  Hits,  above  the  surface.  During  the 
tjirly  peiiud  the  abdomen* seems  to  be  slightly  flat- 

I  QUICKENING 

I  This  usufiliy  takes   place  at  four  months  and  a 

liplf,  '  half  way  between  conception  and  delivery. 

Hhe  u^  '•  V5  rices  out  of  the  pelvis  higlier  into  the 


42 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


abdomen,  and  the  mother  first  feels  the  moveniont; 
of  the  ehild.  It  is  a  popiihir  snperstition  that  lii- 
is  not  present  until  these  motions  are  perceptibk 
but  it  does  exist  from  the  moment  that  the  eirgi 
transfixed  by  the  spermatozoid,  or  active  part,  oi'tl. 
male  seed. 

The  sensation  of  quickening  often  causes  a  feolir, 
of  faintnes?'  If  it  is  first  felt  in  church,  or  a  puli! 
place,  it  is  c »  !t  to  maintain  the  self-control.  I: 
it  is  possible  to  ic  down  for  a  few  minutes,  the  uii 
pleasant  feelings  gradually  disappear  for  the  time. 

The  movements  of  the  child  occasion  more  or  le«: 
discomfort  from  this  time  on.  The  mother  may  r^ 
member  for  her  comfort  that  they  cannot  do  ham 
The  (3hild  is  firmly  enclosed  in  the  amniotic  sac,  siir 
rounded  by  fluid,  and  that  in  turn  cannot  csca)' 
from  the  uterus. 

Some  women  never  feel  any  motion  and  yet  bcs 
living  children. 


Ill' 


I'. I 


FALSE   INDICATIONS 

In  some  cases  contractions  of  the  muscles  of  tl 
abdomen,  or  the  presence  of  wind,  or  gas,  in  the  k 
testines,  are  mistaken  for  the  movements  of  a  cliil 
so  that  even  these  indications  are  not  a  certain  ^i^ 
of  pregnancy,  as  they  may  be  counterfeited.  A 
examination  by  a  physician  is  the  only  means  < 


pniit( 


D 


SPURIOUS    PREGNANCY 


43 


loveniont- 

that  li; 

erceptibk 

the  egg  i; 

►art,  of  tl;: 

;s  a  feelir,, 
)r  a  pull'. 
ntiol.  1: 
es,  the  nil- 
:he  time. 
lore  or  le^ 
er  may  r: 
t  do  liani 
,ic  sae,  siu 
not  escaf 

d  yet  bi'2 


soles  of  tl 
,  in  the  it 
of  a  chili 
ertain  ^ii: 
'eited.  A 
means  < 


)sitively  })r()vini;  it.     The  enlargement  of  the  ab- 

nu'ii,  win'eh  might  be  su])p()sed  to  be  j)roof  posi- 

e,  may  be  due  to  otlior  causes,  as  the  growth  of  a 

nior.     Wiien  this  is  the  case,  the  general  health  is 

ected  more  seriously  than  it  usually  is  in  an  ordi- 

liary  pregnancy. 

':%  AVhen  the  uterus  contains  a  child,  it  enlarges  at  a 

jftrtain  recognized  rate,  increasing  regularly  in  size. 

If  ith  the  growth  of  a  tumor  the  distention  does  not 

j^oceed  according  to  any  known  law. 


-a 


!  MEDICAL    EXAMINATION 

I  Tlie  doctor  can  give  a  well-founded  verdict  only 
per  he  has  made  an  examination  by  touch,  either 
Iternal  or  external,  sometimes  both.  As  the  child 
velo[)s,  about  the  end  of  the  fourth  month,  the 
|ating  of  the  heart  can  be  distinguished  through 
wall  of  the  abdomen  if  listened  for  with  an  in- 
i^ument  to  assist  the  hearing  called  a  stethoscope. 
Bie  i-a[)idity  of  the  beat  is  said  to  be  one  of  the  signs 
1^  which  the  sex  may  be  surmised.  If  over  134  a 
mnute  the  child  is  probably  a  girl,  under  that  num- 
ir  a  boy.  The  rate  is  from  120  to  160  beats  a 
nute.  At  birth  the  pulse  is  about  120.  In  a 
lalthv  adult  it  averao:es  about  72. 

SPURIOUS    PREGNANCY 

^Kcj  vous,  hysterical  women,  those  who  very  greatly 


44 


PREPARATION   FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


desire  to  have  cliiklron,  yet  fear  they  will  not,  per 
haps  on  account  of  advanced  age,  and  those  who  an 
equally  afraid  of  becoming  mothers,  are  sometiim^ 
the  victims  of  a  false,  or  spurious  pregnancy,  ^lair 
of  the  signs  are  i)resent,  the  enlargement  of  tli 
abdomen,  the  swelling  of  the  breasts,  which  ni;r 
even  secrete  milk,  and  the  cessation  of  menstruatiu!; 
Imaginary  movements  are  felt,  the  stomach  may  1- 
disturbed,  and  at  the  end  of  the  supposed  pcric 
labor  pains  are  experienced — all  with  no  nsui' 
This  is,  perhaps,  the  most  striking  instance  in  pli\>i 
ology,  of  tlie  iuflaence  of  mind  over  matter. 


f 


IS 


M  ' 


DURATION  OF    PREGNANCY 

It  is  difficult  to  calculate  the  exact  day  on  wlikl 
the  confinement  may  be  expected  to  take  place.  I 
is  usual  to  reckon  280  days,  or  nine  months  and  on 
week,  from  the  end  of  the  last  menstruation,  aiii 
give  that  day  as  the  date.  For  instance :  if  men 
struation  ceased  on  the  26th  of  January,  the  confine 
mcnt  may  be  looked  for  on  the  2d  of  November 
It  is  said  that  the  interval  between  conception  an 
birth  is  275  days.  From  this  statement  it  might  !► 
su])posed  that  the  day  of  delivery  could  be  acdi 
rately  computed.  That  it  is  not  so  is  due  to  the  flit 
that  it  is  uncertain  how  long  a  time  elapses  befor 


TWINS 


45 


not,  per 
;  who  an 

lOmetiniK 
y.  ^lari: 
it  of  til. 
hic'li  ni:v 
striKititi!: 
h  may  1. 
ed  peril' 
10  r(  >iii' 
!  in  phy^i' 
jr. 


on  whiii 
place.    I 

IS  and  on 
ition,  an 
if  iiioi> 
le  confine 
S^ovenil)e: 
ptioii  an 
t  miglit  K 
be  accii' 
to  the  Hi' 
Dses  bffor 


semen  unites  with  the  egg.     The  interval  is  said 
to  vary  from  a  few  hours  to  several  days. 

Pregnancy  may  be  prolonged  very  much  beyond 
the  u.-iial  limit.  In  this  country  the  law  recognizes 
tglcixitimate  children  born  after  a  possible  pregnancy 
erf' .'UT  days. 

On  the  otiier  hand,  it  is  possible  for  a  baby  to 
Hm',  for  d  short  time  at  least,  very  nuich  earlier 
Uiai)  is  poi)nlarly  supposed  to  be  the  case.  At  the 
ejid  of  the  fourth  month  it  may  live  for  a  few  hours 
aaid  the  sex  can  be  distinguished.  A  child  born 
<hn  ing  the  seventh  month  can  be  kept  alive  by  the 
exercise  of  the  greatest  care.  It  lives  in  v^n  incu- 
l^tor,  is  fed  by  means  of  a  stomach  tvu)e,  rolled  in 
limbs'  wool  instead  of  being  dressed,  and  disturbed 
i)  more  than  is  absolutely  necessary. 
f  As  soon  as  the  twenty-first  day  after  conception, 
<ie  ears,  eyes  and  mouth  have  begun  to  develop, 
aod  at  the  end  of  the  first  month  the  tiny  begin- 
siih^^  of  the  limbs  are  plainly  evident.  It  is  no 
ftrndess  mass  that  is  crushed  out  of  existence  if  the 
(^erations  of  nature  are  interfered  with,  even  thus 
eirly  in  her  work. 

I  TWINS 

f  AVIkmi  two  eggs  are  discharged  from  one  or  each 
OTaiy  at  the  same  time,  or  one  egg  contains  two  germs, 
(^  in  the  double-yolked  egg  of  a  hen,  and  both  are 


46 


PREPAJiATlON   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


!!!k 


I 


imj)rognate(l,  twins  are  the  results.  This  is  said  t 
occur  once  in  every  ninety  births.  The  possil)ili! 
of  triplets  is  very  much  less,  being  only  one  in  sivi; 
thousand. 

When  the  uterus  contains  twins  the  abdonu  ii 
flat  in  the  middle  and  more  [)rominent  at  the  sidi- 
Sometimes  there  is  a  deep  depression  in  the  middl. 
Each  child  usuallv  weiii;hs  less  than  when  thcrf  ; 
only  one,  and  it  is  more  likely  that  they  will  be  itori 
prematurely. 

The  doctor,  by  the  use  of  the  stethoscope,  can  di 
termine  whether  there  are  two  hearts  beating,  or  m\ 
and  so  settle  tlie  question. 

SEX 

It  is  strange  that,  with  all  our  boasted  advance  ii 
knowledge,  it  is  not  yet  possible  to  predict  positivily 
the  sex  of  a  child  before  birth,  nor  to  influence  tlit 
forces  that  control  what  that  sex  shall  be.  INIaiiv 
theories  have  been  formulated  on  the  latter  subjiii 
but  none  has  been  found  to  be  infallible.  Itissud 
an  interesting  and  important  matter,  one  would  thinl; 
that  some  bold  explorer  would  by  this  time  havi 
succeeded  in  filching  the  secret  from  nature. 

The  time  most  favorable  for  conception  is  tlit 
week  immediately  succeeding  the  stoppage  of  thenicii- 
gtnml  flow,  and  preferabl^^  the  first  day  of  this  week 


trair  tli< 


SEX 


47 


,s  said  I  1 
3ssil)ilii 
iu  sevu, 

i 

lomcii  '> 

:lie  sid(> 

I  iniddli 

til  ore  1- 

I  be  Imri 

! 

\,  can  (li 

g,  or  Ud! 


is  said  that  if  it  takes  place  early  in  this  period, 
d)c  child  will  probably  be  a  girl,  if  later  a  boy. 
iioiher  theory  is,  that  if  the  father  is  physically 
u-  stronger,  more  capable  of  impressing  his  person- 
itv,  a  daughter  will  be  born  ;  otherwise,  a  son. 

It  is  also  said,  that  if  the  mother  at  the  time  of 
ii(( 'ption  is  excited,  interested  and  anxious  to  bear 
soil,  she  is  likely  to  attain  her  desire. 

'Jdic  age  of  the  parents  is  supposed  to  influence  the 
suit.     If  the  father  is  much  older  than  the  mother, 

is  considenKl  probable  that  daughters  will  pre- 

iniuate  in  the  family. 

It  was  once  thought  that  the  eggs  from  one  ovary 
odiiccd  females,  and  those  from  the  other,  males. 
lice  it  has  been  proved  that  women  from  whom 

e  ovary  has  been  removed  oy  an  operation,  have 

erwards  borne  children  of  each  sex,  this  idea  has 

II  abandoned. 

The  whole  subject  is  wrapped  in  mystery.  It  re- 
al ns  for  some  earnest  student  of  the  future  to  peiie- 
ate  the  darkness  and  discover  the  truth. 


rp 


1  is  tilt 
thenicii- 
lis  w<'('l\, 


atjsmsnnmgi 


'illl 


12 


I 


!«i 


CHAPTER  IV 

THE  PROGRESS  OF  PREGNANCY 

Preparation.  When  a  woman  knows  that  shei 
to  become  a  mother,  she  should  prepare  herself  b 
every  means  in  her  power  for  her  new  duties  an 
responsibilities.  It  is  a  time  of  waiting,  not  io  I 
spent  in  despondency,  nursing  nervous  fears,  r 
making  the  most  of  bodily  ailments,  but  in  diliuci 
cultivation  of  mind  and  body.  Both  mother  an; 
child  will  reap  the  benefit  if  an  earnest  effort  is  mad 
to  maintain  the  health  of  both  at  its  highest  stan<larc 

A  celebrated  obstetrical  physician,  writing  on  tli 
subject,  says  :  "  Women  should  be  willing  to  trai: 
themselves  in  some  degree  for  their  labor,  as  an  atl 
lete  would  train  himself  for  a  race." 

If  the  family  doctor  is  a  sensible,  clever  man,  tli 
expectant  mother  cannot  do  better  than  place  hersel 
under  his  charge  as  soon  as  she  is  aware  of  her  wi 
dition.  She  need  only  see  him  two  or  three  tiim- 
perhaps,  during  the  nine  months,  so  that  the  expen- 
will  not  be  great.  He  can  give  her  judicious  advie 
(4R) 


}n  iiiai 
ie  will 
jlieve 
In  ti 
(Jlnl 
profess, 
Bo  (list I 
Ct)i)ifort 
yond  a 
iani>;o 
^nt(»rti. 
ilic  poll 
ifcncd  w 
lake  tlj 
Wher 
alrwu 
vital 
SI  1st  a 
)rking 
Ity,  the 
[ir  the 

lOUIlt  ( 

lanstic 
icn  she 
11(1. 
^Tlie  fir 
ip'<'ts  as 

^       4 


THE  PROGRESS  OF  PREGNANCY 


49 


[n  iiianv  points,  and  if  unfavorable  symptoms  arise, 
^e  will  l)e  able  to  counteract  tliem,  and  probably  to 
>liove  the  condition  which  causes  them  by  treating 
in  time. 

Child-l)caring   is   not   a   disease,    but  a   natural 
irocoss.     In  a  healthy  woman  it  should  give  rise  to 
|o  (listuibance  of  the  health  and  to  very  little  dis- 
Hiifort.     ^ledicine  should  not  be  needed,  and  be- 
)ii(l  a  stricter  attention  to  the  laws  of  nature,  no 
(laii^o  should  be  necessary  in  the  manner  of  living. 
riit'ortuiiatcly,  very  few  women  approach  at  all  near 
Ac  point  of  perfection  physically.     They  are  bur- 
jiud  with  weaknesses,  inherited  or  acquired,  which 
[ake  this  period  a  time  of  trial  to  them. 
AVhen  this  added  strain  is  brought  to  bear  upon 
already  overwrought  nervous  organization,  when 
|e  vital  forces,  that  are  scarcely  equal  to  the  task 
sustaining  one  person  and  keeping  the  system  in 
wkini^  order,  are  suddenly  called  upon  for  double 
ity,  they  rebel,  and  their  work  is  badly  done. 
[If  the  mother  with  difficulty  produces  a  sufficient 
loiint  of  blood  for  her  own  use,  there  is  sure  to  be 
haustion,  pallid  cheeks  and  disturbed  circulation 
Jen  she  is  forced  to  supply  also  the  demands  of  the 
11(1. 
'he  first  consideration  then   is  to  remedy  existing 
ets  as  far  as  possible,  to  husband  the  resources 

4 


^ 


50 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


n 


r-i 


that  arc  available,  and  to   increase  tlieni  by  evirj 
means  that  can  be  used  towards  that  end. 

It  is  for  this  |)ur})ose  that  most  women  need  tin 
aid  of  a  doctor.  The  function  of  a  medical  my 
ought  to  be  not  so  nuich  to  cure  his  patients  of  di,. 
orders  as  to  keep  them  in  order.  How  to  koj 
themselves  in  good  health  is  a  knowledge  that  to, 
many  women  do  not  })ossess.  If  this  is  importaii; 
under  ordinary  circumstances,  it  becomes  doubly  > 
when  another  being  depends  upon  the  mother  to  U 
nourished  and  perfected.  She  must  then  seek  tli- 
information  from  some  one  who  is  competent  to  iiiv: 
it.  As  in  many  instances  it  is  impossible  i'nv  i 
woman  to  consult  a  idivsician  constantlv  duriu":  t' 
period,  an  effort  has  been  made  to  embody  in  tiinj 
little  book  the  advice  that  is  usually  given  on  jKjiii!-^ 
of  hygiene,  and  to  call  attention  to  the  symptom^ 
that  demand  immediate  consultation  with  an  ex]Xi 
rienced  doctor. 

POINT  TO   BE  NOTED 

While  it  is  foolish  to  worry  constantly  over  evenj 
unaccustomed  feeling  of  discomfort,  it  is  equally 
wise  to  neglect  indications  which  point  to  serious 
mischief  that  may  be  remedied  by  prompt  treatment 

A  woman  passes  usually  about  three  pints  oi 
urine  in  the  twenty-four  hours.     During  this  tii 


khe  si 

latcri 
)fi;  >1). 
twccn 
icfiiio 
lini  a  i 
The 
'riK'cn 
strip  I 
till  rum 
[lit  mo 
fettle  ai 
rli it'll  \i 
kI  so  0 
icasurci 
l\v  amo 

Ml'OUirli 

jould 

noimt. 

In  on 
^'ciity-fc 
iven   hci 

)taincd 
loiikl 
>nrs  lat( 
It  alrea 


A 


POINT  TO   BE   NOTED 


51 


ecd  till' 
al  iiiif 
of  <li 
to  kf«! 
:lmt  tti< 
1  port  an:  1 
jul)ly  ^ 
ler  to  1* 
,eek  till-  .| 
t  to  jj-iv- 
le  I'll"  ^ 
ring  t' 
y  in  tiii:j 

)n  poiii^'i 
mptomj 
an  exjxi 


ver  everjl 
uallv  UD-| 
o  serioiil 
reatmeii:| 
pints  ol 
this  til 


|hn  sliotild  make  cortain  tliat  this  quantity  is  not 
atcriallv  dinilnislietl.  [f  she  thinks  it  is  falling 
)fr  Aw  -hoiild  drink  more  water,  taking  a  ghi>s  be- 


d  if  til 


^he  should 


iwvcn  iiieai^,  aiiu  ii   muio  IS   no  nicrease 
lent  ion  tiie  iaet  to  her  medieal  adviser,  aud   take 

liin  a  .specimen  of  it  for  examination. 
The  measurinjTj  ea!i  he  easily  mana;:;ed  in  this  wav. 

Vocure  a  large  glass  bottle,  and  paste  on  one  side 
Htrip  of  eotton  about  an  inch  wide.     Get  a  small 

[ill  finuiel,  such  as  are  sold  for  five  cents,  and  a  half 

iiiit  measure.     Pour  half  a  pint  of  water  into  the 

^oitle  and  mark  on  the  strip  of  cotton  the  uepth  to 
rliieii  it  reaches,  add  another  half  pint  and  mark, 

[lul  so  on  until  three  pints,  or  two  quarts,  have  been 
icasurcd.  The  bottle  is  now  prepared  to  record 
le  amount  of  urine.  This  can  be  poured  into  it 
iroiigh  tiie  funnel  after  it  is  passed.  The  bottle 
loiild  he  tightly  corked,  washed  and  scalded  every 
A  daily  memorandum  should  be  kept  of  the 
nount. 

In  order   to   ascertain  the  quantity  secreted    in 
vciity-four  hours,  the  urine  should  be  voided  at  a 

jiven  hour,  ray  nine  o'clock,  and  what  is  thus 
)taincd  thrown  away.  The  succeeding  amounts 
lould  he  saved, -and  at  nine  oV^lock,  twenty-four 
)urs  later,  it  should  be  pnSvSed  again  and  added  to 
lat  already  collected, 


t- 


mmmmmmmKBKmmmm 


52 


PREPARATION   FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


In  preparing  a  specimen  to  be  taken  to  the  cli^ctoi 
a])oiit  a  quarter  of  a  pint  should  be  put  into  a  boh 
previously  well  washed  and  scalded  with  Ijuili 
water.  The  cork,  if  not  new,  sliould  be  thuroiii{li; 
scrubbed  to  cleanse  it  from  any  j)article  of  foieii- 
matter.  Care  in  this  respect  is  very  important,:; 
the  doctor  cannot  be  certain  of  the  result  of  his  oi 
ami  nation  unless  the  specimen  is  free  from  any  ou: 
side  impurities. 

The  urine  ought  to  be  a  pale  yellow,  and  clta 
If  it  is  ver}'  dark  in  color,  or  there  is  a  sediinc!: 
soon  after  it  is  passed,  or  it  seems  thick  at  the  tini 
or  a  deposit  appears  after  it  has  stood  for  sin 
hours,  the  pliysi(;ian  should  be  informed.  A  d('])ar 
ure  from  the  normal  in  this  discharge  may  1)( 
no  importance,  and  it  may  be  an  indication  thatn 
quires  attention  ;  only  the  trained  eye  can  decidt, 


f 


IMPORTANCE   OF   FJ.UID 

It  is  said  that  most  persons  habitually  drink  t 
httle  water.  It  is  important  that  plenty  ol'  fii: 
should  be  sup])lied  to  the  system  at  this  time,  ami: 
effort  should  be  made  to  take  at  least  two  (jua' 
during  the  day.  This  means  only  about  eight  gla- 
Water  can  be  flavored  with  fruit  syrup  if  it  i^ '1 
liked  alone,  and  a  part  taken  hot  if  ])referred.  A: 
good  riineral  water  can  be  used  if  desired, 


0 

;liO  cloctoi 
to  a  1)0^' 
itli    i  joili 
horouirlii 
of  forciLr 
portant, ' 
of  liis  H 
n  anv  on 

and  clis: 
a  sedluiei: 
at  the  tin; 
d  lur  S'ii! 
A  drpur^ 
may  be  ol 
on  tbatKl 
decide. 


drink  tK 
itv  of  fliK 
I  me,  amb 

two  qua" 
ijrht  ola- 

ifit  i^'l 
rred.  ^ 
d, 


TENSION   OF  SKIN — USE  OF   OIL 


TENSION    OF   SKIN 


53 


'ir> 


J    As  the  abdomen  enlarges  and  the  skin  stretches, 

JIk  i'(    is  often  an  unconifortabh*  feeling  of  tension, 

liich  can  be  mnch  relieved  by  anointing  the  surface 

|verv  day  after  tie  bath  with  sweet  oil.     Olive  oil, 

\\  -alad  oil,  answers  the  })urpose  admirably.     This 

^ot  only  gives  relief  at  the  time,  but  prepares  the 

^s.-iies  to  yield  more  easily  when  the  child  is  born. 

USE   OF   OIL 

:  AVlien  the  oil  is  used,  its  application  should  be 
tB^tciidt'd  to  the  perineum  and  all  the  parts  between 
dse  thitrjis  where  most  pressure  is  experienced,  and 
(hich  have  to  stretch  during  the  passage  of  the  child. 
lis  softens  the  skin  and  underlying  tissues,  and 
ikcs  them  more  pliable  and  less  likely  to  give  way 
KM)  distended. 

Many   expensive   lotions   are   sold    under    high- 

mding  names  wdiich   profess  to   render  delivery 

jier,  if  not  entirely  painless.     These  dcicelve  the 

(wary  and  enrich  their  makers,  but  none  of  them 

<lo  more  than  can  be  accomplished  equally  well 

the  persistent  application  of  sweet  oil,  at  one- 

laitrr  the  cost, 

|Ii  is  a  grave  mistake  for  a  woman  to  buy,  or  use, 

Mit  nostrums  of  whose  composition    she  knows 

tiling.     There  is  one  chance  in  a  thousand  that 


PKEPARATION    FOR   MOTHEllUOOD 


they  may  do  good;  the  reiiiainiug  lune  hundred  uikJ 
ninety-nine  are  equally  divided  between  their  bciiiir 
positively  harmful,  or  utterly  useless.  No  senniblt 
person  will  waste  her  money  when  the  possibilitv 
of  benefit  is  so  small. 


% 


BANDAGI. 

Wlien  the  sensation  of  weight  is  very  aisagree- 
able,  a  well-fitting  abdominal  bandage  is  a  groat 
eomfort.  A  i)attern  for  one  ean  be  procured  iVoiii 
any  firm  ciealing  in  pa})er  })atterns,  and  it  is  iiui 
difficult  to  fit  one  without  a  guide. 

Take  a  stri[)   of  stout,  unbleached  cotton,  Ions] 
enough   to  encircle  the  body,  and  lap  about   luiiri 
inches.     Fit  this  to  the  shape  by  taking  up  gores  (ni 
the  outside  and   pinning  tiiem.     These  can  aft'i- 
wards  be  sewed  and  the  extra  fulness  cut  off.     Tb 
bandage  should  fasten  on  one  side  with  buttons,  oil 
safety  pins.     It  will  be  of  little  use  unless  it  M 
snugly  to  give  the  desired  support. 

CARE   OF   THE   BREASTS 

The  care  of  the  breasts  is  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant duties  of  the  expectant  mother.     Her  chikl'sj 
well-being  depends  upon  her  ability  to. nourish  itj 
and  this  she  cannot  do  unless  breasts  and  nipples  are 
ill  good  condition.     Many  women  undergo  aguiiv 


THE   NIPPLES 


55 


d  uii(] 
bciii;: 

m^^ilJ':l: 

ibililv 


sagree- 

1   IVoii: 
is  iiui 


11,  l<m; 
lit  i'uiir 
ort's  (»ii 
\  al'l'T- 

tuns,  (' 
it  M 


m 


inipor- 

v\<\\  i'. 
^\o>  art 


which  is  little,  if  at  all,  inferior  to  that  borne  during 
chilil-hirth,  because  these  have  not  been  properly  at- 
tended to.  Neglect  of  them,  either  before  or  after 
■i  the  chihl  is  born,  is  apt  to  be  followed  by  intense 
sullciiii"',  which  judicious  treatment  would  have  en- 
I  tiivlv  prevented. 

?  As  soon  as  the  breasts  begin  to  enlarge,  they  should 
'  he  relieved  from  pressure.  This  is  ensured  by  wear- 
liiii::  :i  proper  underwaist,  with  fidl,  softly -gat  he  red 
Ipoekets  in  front  large  enough  to  receive  the  breasts 
|conifbrtal)ly.  The  dress  must  be  widened  across  the 
Ifi-ont  l)v  the  introduction  of  a  full  vest,  so  that  there 
lis  at  no  time  the  slightest  sense  of  constriction. 

Kveiy  day  they  should  be  especially  bathed  with 
juol  water,  gently  rubbed  to  stimulate  the  circula- 
[tioii,  and  anointed  wdth  a  little  sweet  oil. 

» 

THE     NIPPLES 

The  nipples  also  must  receive  particular  attention. 
[Sometimes  a  small  quantity  of  milky    fluid    oozes 
from  them.     If  this  is  allowed  to  dry  and  retnain 
)ii  the  tender  skin,  disaster  is  sure  to  follow.     They 
Ishould  be  bathed  at  the  same  time  as  the  breasts, 
|and  share  in  the  inunction  with   oil.     During  the 
?|la-t  six  weeks  they  should  be  bathed  twice  a  day  with 
il 'ohol  containing  a  pinch  of  alum,     li'  the  alcohol 
W^  i'ure,  it  should  be  diluted  one-half  with  water. 


mim 


56 


PEEPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


Tliey   should   frequently   be  gently   pressed  and  | 
rubbed  between  the  fingers  to  toughen  the  skin  and 
prepare  it  for  the  pressure  of  the  baby's  lips. 

In  some  women  the  nipple  is  contracted,  or  in. 
verted.  Instead  of  standing  out  above  the  suiface 
of  the  breast,  a  well-defined  point  which  a  bab\ caD 
easily  grasp,  it  is  level  with  the  surface  and  slip. 
backward  into  the  soft  tissue  at  every  attem])t  t^ 
hold  it  in  a  most  exasperating  manner. 

A  self-respecting  baby  generally  remonstrates  at 
this  state  of  affairs,  and  expresses  his  feelings  in  in-| 
dignant  cries.     He  has  a  shrewd  suspicion  that  hi; 
mother  is  responsible  for  the  difficulties  he  experi- 
ences in  obtaining  his  food,  and  he  visits  his  di;l 
pleasure  on  every  one  within  earshot. 

Nature  is  sometimes  unkind  and  does  not  furiiisl| 
the  mother  with  well-formed  nipples.  Very  of\eii,  J 
however,  the  defect  is  due  to  their  develo])iiuiii| 
during  girlhood  and  young  womanhood,  having  becii| 
prevented  by  undue  pressure  from  tight-fitting  cdrl 
sets. 

Whatever  the  cause,  the  expectant  mother  sho'iki 
seek  to  remedy  the  want  of  prominence  by  draxt.ng 
out  the  nipple  and  trying  to  mould  it  into  shape  b)| 
frequent  gentle  manipulation  with  the  fingers.  Inj 
some  cases  this  can  be  done  with  the  hand  alone,  iii| 
others  a  special  appliance  is  required. 


MOTION 


57 


lopiiuir 

illiX  Ik'C! 


uio'  ('(ir- 


liape  h] 
ers.  I' 
iloiie,  ii 


A  safe  one  that  can  be  easily  obtained  is  a  pint 
bottle.  Fill  it  with  boiling  water,  empty  this  out 
quickly  and  apply  its  mouth  tightly  over  the  nip- 
j)le.  As  the  air  in  the  bottle  cools  it  condenses  and 
the  nipple  is  drawn  out,  or,  more  properly,  pushed 
out,  into  the  vacant  space.  The  process  can  be 
hastened  by  wrapping  a  cloth  wrung  out  of  cold 
water  around  the  bottle  while  it  is  in  place. 

After  the  bottle  is  removed  the  nipple  should  be 
lu'ld  in  the  fingers  and  pressed  into  shape.  This 
treatment  should  be  begun  early  and  persisted  in 
until  the  nipple  is  a  well-formed  protuberance  which 
can  easily  be  taken  into  a  child's  mouth. 

During  the  fifth  month,  the  areola,  or  pale  brown 
skin  surrounding  the  base  of  the  nipple,  which  has 
already  become  much  darker  in  color,  is  encircled  by 
a  second  ring  formed  of  small,  mottled  spots  of  a 
paler  shade  than  the  areola  itself.  This  appearance 
is  most  marked  in  women  of  dark  co  nplexion. 
1'lie  width  of  the  band  varies  in  different  persons. 
As  it  does  not  occur  except  in  pregnancy,  it  is  one 
of  the  confirmatory  proofs  of  that  condition. 

MOTION 

Quickening  has  already  been  referred  to  as  one  of 

J  the  symptoms  establishing  the  fact  that  the  uterus 

contains  a  living  child.     It  may  be  felt  at  any  time 


■•!■« 


58 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


after  the  third  month,  but  usually  is  first  expericiicd; 
at  the  end  of  four  months  and  a  half.  The  sene^atidh 
varies  in  intensity  in  different  women.  Sometimes  ii 
is  so  slight  as  to  be  merely  a  fluttering,  sometimes  s,, 
j)ronoun('ed  as  to  cause  an  hysterical  attack. 

Thirty  drops  of  aromatic  spirits  of  ammoniii  in 
water,  repeated  in  a  few  minutes,  relieves  the  laiiit- 
ncss  that  sometimes  accompanies  it. 

If  the  child's  motions  cause  much  disconifdii 
later  on,  a  well-fitting  bandage  helps  to  render  them, 
more  bearable.  Sometimes  they  are  so  slight  tliov 
can  only  be  felt  by  laying  the  hand  on  the  abdonicn 
over  the  uterus.  In  other  cases  they  are  so  violent 
as  to  be  visible. 


INTERFERENCE  WITH  BREATHING 

As  the  uterus  increases  in  size  it  causes  preissiirc- 
on  the  diaphragm,  or  muscular  partition  separating! 
the  abdomen  from  the  chest.  Tliis  causes  diffuultv^ 
in  breathing,  as  there  is  not  room  for  the  lungs  tO; 
expand  properly. 

During  the  last  two  weeks  the  uterus  sinks  aeaiii- 
into  the  pelvis,  the  pressure  lessens,  and  breathinjij 
becomes  easier. 

MENSTRUAL    PERIOD 
The  child  is  apt  to  be  born  at  what  would  have] 
been  the  tenth  menstrual  period  counting   from  the 


^illi  ill 


EVACUATIONS — WALKING — PAIN 


59 


sconifiiii 

ier  tliciii 
rht  the) 
ibddtncr. 
)  violent 


prcssun 

partuiiij 

lifficuln 

lings  ti 

vs  a(:ai!i 
reathiiv: 


la   Imu 
Toin  111'. 


last  Olio  before  conception  took  place.  There  is  al- 
wiivs  more  or  less  disturbance  as  this  date  conies 
round  each  month  and  the  time  should  be  carefully 

noted. 

When  a  woman  has  previously  been  regular,  she 

[MOWS  exaetlv  when  these  davs  will  occur.  If  tlicre 
is  anv  probability  of  her  forgetting  them,  she  should 

nark  them  in  her  calendar,  as  it  is  very  important 
that  she  should  be  especially  careful  at  this  time. 

EVACUATIONS 

The  pressure  of  the  uterus  against  the  bladder 
uises  a  desire  to  pass  water  frequently.     Sometimes 
^hc  elibrt  is  inefTec^tual.     This  need  cause  no  alarm, 
the  inclination  is  excited  simply  by  the  pressure. 
There  is  often  difficulty  in  having  a  ])assage  from 
the  bowels  for  the  same  reason.     An  enema  of  warm 
(liter  is  better  than  a  laxative  to  relieve  them. 

WALKING 

Walking  becomes  more  difficult  and  occasion- 
illy  has  to  be  relinquished  at  this  stage,  but 
It  is  best  to  continue  the  daily  exercise  as  long  as 
)()ssible. 

PAIN 
Pains  are  felt  in  the  limbs,  back  and  abdomen. 
Ik'  latter  may  be  quite  severe,  resembling  colic,  and 
ire  sometimes  mistaken  for  true  labor  pains. 


CO 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


THE     NURSE 

The  expectant  mother  should  have  all  her  prop- 
arations  completed  long  before  this  time.  It  is  vtrv 
unwise  to  leave  them  until  near  the  last.  She  rnav 
be  too  unwell  to  be  able  to  attend  to  them,  or  apn  ni- 
ature  birth  may  find  her  totally  unprepared. 

The  nurse  should  be  engaged  early.  Compeuiit 
nurses  usually  have  a  long  list  of  engagements  aiul 
must  be  secured  in  time  when  their  services  are  de- 
sired. 

SELECTION 

It  is  always  well  to  consult  the  physician  in 
charge  before  speaking  to  the  nurse.  He  knows 
from  experience  who  are  trustworthy  and  who  iire 
unreliable.  The  life  of  the  patient  often  depends 
upon  the  trustworthiness  of  the  nurse,  so  this  is  too 
important  a  matter  to  be  left  to  chance.  The  doctor 
has  means  of  knowing  the  capabilities  of  a  nurse 
whom  he  has  previously  employed  which  no  one  else 
possesses. 

It  is  not  always  safe  to  rely  upon  the  favorable 
report  of  a  previous  patient.  If  a  nurse  has  con- 
spicuous faults,  they  will  generally  be  mentioned, 
but  from  mistaken  kindness  they  are  sometimes 
concealed. 


i 


ENGAGEMENT — MEALS 


61 


ENGAGEMENT 

In  niukiiig  the  engagement  talk  frankly  with  the 

jiiiir<(',  that  there  may  be  no  misunderstanding  later. 

Have  the  price  that  is  to  be  paid  definitely  stated 

and  also  the  length  of  time  during  which  her  ser- 

[vices  will  be  required. 

Some  nurses  are  willing  to  hold  themselves  in 
Inatliness  for  a  week  or  two  before  a  certain  date, 
[and  tliey  are  usually  paid  half  price  for  this  waiting 
Itinie.  Others  will  only  promise  to  be  ready  on  a 
[certain  day,  as  they  are  engaged  until  then.  In  this 
[case  it  is  well  to  know  of  some  one  else  who  can  be 
Shad  if  an  emergency  arises. 

Tiie  nurse  should  be  asked  if  she  can  stay  for 
flonger  than  a  month  if  she  should  be  needed. 


MEALS 

It  is  usual  to  have  a  nurse's  meals  sent  upstairs, 
Mwheii  they  should  be  eaten  outside  of  her  patient'ts 
^01  )m,  or  to  have  them  prepared  for  her  in  the  din- 
in^:  room  after  the  members  of  the  family  liave  fin- 
i.^hcd  theirs.     Some  one  must  stay  with  the  invalid 
wliile  tlio  family  is  at  meals,  and  this  person  natur- 
ally is  the  nurse.     Much  depends  upon  the  customs 
pn  valent  in  the  locality  in  tliese  matters. 


.uujiia 


62 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


DUTIES 

The  nurse  should  take  the  entire  charge  of  tlit 
sick  room,  sweeping  and  dusting  it.  It  is  uimsiia 
now  for  her  to  do  any  part  of  the  baby's  wa-liiiii; 
She  should  not  be  burdened  with  duties  that  r('(|iiir- 
Iier  to  be  long  absent  from  her  charge.  If  the  ((h, 
is  incompetent,  she  ought  to  be  able  to  cook  her  ji- 
tient's  food,  as  so  much  depends  upon  her  hdii; 
properly  nourished.  Serving  it  is  a  part  of  Lc 
duty. 

A  good  trained  nurse  well  repays  the  extra  « 
penditure  necessary  to  obtain  her.  She  is  fainil'a 
with  the  best  methods  of  managing  mother  and  cliil 
Should  an  emergency  arise,  she  is  ready  to  meet ; 
She  will  keep  the  mother  in  the  best  condition  t' 
speedy  recovery  and  will  not  teach  the  baby  1 : 
habits. 

When  it  is  impossible  to  procure  one,  the  iicr  ,1 
best  that  can  be  found  must  be  selected.  Absoliiif 
cleanliness  and  a  willingness  to  obey  the  doetorj 
orders  implicitly  and  unquestioningly  are  the  twj 
cardinal  virtues  most  imperatively  necessary,  ^hw 
minor  faults  may  be  pardoned,  or  overlooked,  i:j 
these  can  be  secured.  No  previous  experience 
compensate  for  their  lack. 

If  the  expectant  mother  is  young,  she  must  notlJ 
overawed  by  elderly  ignorance.     She  is    the  enj 


)loyei 
icnts 

:^viii  i; 

lot'tor 
illv  ail 
it  IS 

It    l:^    U 

ia<  hoc 
|l)i('  pe 

(•Is;'\ 

[nee.     ' 

fery  clc 

Misfant 

|ro(lii(>e 


i 


DUTIES 


G3 


!    of  tllf' 

t  ro(iiiiK| 
the  cuii! 

ler  l)C'iii|j 
t  of  lie' 

extra  eil 

i  fai nil's 

and  c'hik 

I  meet  i: 

ition  f' 

3abv  1' 


3lover  and  has  a  rlglit  to  demand  tliat  her  require- 
lents  shall  bo  complied  with.  It  is  here  that  she 
rill  feel  the  advantage  of  having  consnlted  the 
ioi'tor  on  the  snbject.  She  will  have  him  as  an 
tllv  and  ho  will  fight  her  battles  if  it  is  necessary. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  this  necessity  will  not  arise ; 
It  is  unlikely  to  do  so  if  the  selection  of  the  nurse 
las  hocn  a  judicious  one  and  the  mother  is  a  reason- 
Ibh'  person.  Harmony  in  the  convalescent's  room, 
elsewhere,  is  best  promoted  by  mutual  forbear- 
[nce.  The  relation  between  nurse  and  patient  is  a 
ferv  close  one.  Dependence  on  the  one  side  and  the 
|on-tant  ministrations  necessary  on  the  other  often 
Iroiliice  a  bond  of  gratitude  and  tenderness  that 
trcngthens  into  a  lifelong  regard. 


the   iKi 

Absitlli; 

3  doctor 
;  the  t'\ 

iy.  yy 

ook('<l, ; 
iencc  ca; 


list  not 
the  eni| 


CHAPTER  V 

FOOD 

It  is  very  important  that  the  expectant  mother 
should  take  sufficient  food  to  supply  the  extra  di 
niand  upon  her,  and  that  this  food  should  be  of  a 
suitable  kind. 

A  diet  exclusively  of  fruit,  vegetables  and  ceroali 
has  been  strongly  recommended  as  retardinjj  tlii 
bony  development  of  the  child  and  so  rendering' 
labor  less  painful.  This  is  not  endorsed  by  the  Ik-i 
authorities,  and  probably,  as  in  many  other  tllillg^ 
the  middle  path  is  the  safest. 


3nak  ;j 

)I(1    Wll 

jaw  or  ( 
|lini  l)oil 
Si'iic  str; 
;|isii;illv 
|iH'  <iiiai 


MEAT 

-  It  is  well  to  limit  the  amount  of  meat  taken  ami 
and  never  to  eat  it  more  than  once  a  day.  liici 
most    nutritious  and    digestible    kinds  .1  In 

chosen.     Roast  beef  and  roast  mutton,     -'cf  steak, 
broiled,  not  fried,  mutton  chops  and  poultry,  fu  iiisli| 
a  sufficient  variety. 
(64) 


MADK    DISMKS-GIJAVV 


05 


MA  I)  10    IHSIIKS 

Wlicn  incut    is    rococjkt'd  it  shouUl  bo   carefully 
lone,  a\t»i(liii*:;  inucli   lilt   in  th(    i)r('[)aration.     The 


liillowiii^  siiggestiuiis  may  be  of  use. 


GRAVY 


motlieri 
dv'd  de- 
be  of  a 

1  cereal; 
iiipj  the 
ndcriii': 

the  be;! 
thiiv^ 


The  foiiiulation  of  made  dishes  is  a  good  i^ravv. 
'Iiiit  Icit  iVoiii  dinner  can  In;  utilized,  but  when  none 


Miiains  i(    has    to    be    made    from    the  beginnin<^. 
Inak  a  few  bones  into  small  pieces,  cover  them  with 
)](1  water  and  add   trimmings,  or  scraps,  of  meat, 
iw  or  cooked,  avoiding  fat.     Let  it  heat  gradually 
iiid  l)(»il  iifcntlv  for  two  hours.     At  the  end  of  that 
[iiiic  -train  and  measure  the  liquid.     Half  a  pint  is 
isiiallv  suHieient,  but  of  course  much  depends  upon 
llic  (juaiitity  of  meat  to  be  used.     To  each  half  pint 
low  half  a  teaspoonful  of  butter,  melt  this  in  a  dry 
\uv  jKui,  or  frying  ])an,  and  stir  into  it  the  same 
iniount  of  flour.     AVhen  it  has  cooked  together  for 
lin  ("  oi-  fonr  minutes,  being  constantly  stirred,  thin 
unadiiallv  by  mixin<):  with  it  a  little  of  the  boilinor 
raw ;  when  perfectly  smooth  pour  in  the  whole. 
■a>i  !i  with  salt  and  pepper  and  it  is  done.     Any 
avoring  desired  may  be  added,  as  lemon  juice,  all- 
ice,  curry  j)owder,  etc. 


5 


ee 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


ST.  Patrick's  pie 

Mince  the  remains  of  cold  beef  or  mutton  vm 
fine.  Place  it  in  a  bakinj^  dish,  filHiig  it  about  tlinf- 
quarters  full.  iMoistcn  thorou<^hly  with  gravv  ami 
till  the  dish  with  a  thick  layer  oi'  mashed  potatu. 
Dot  the  top  with  small  bits  of  butter  and  bake  in  a 
hot  oven  from  a  half  to  three-quarters  of  an  huiir, 
according  to  the  i-ize  of  the  dish. 


Fi 

riicai 
with 
cililat 
Ji'Mir. 
and  Si 

(•V<i'  i 


DEDICATE    MINCE 

Cover  the  bottom  of  a  flat  moat  dish  with  nicely 
brown(>d  toast  cut  into  quarter  slices.  Cut  the  iiiiai 
into  small  thick  squares,  like  dice.  If  it  is  tavA 
cover  it  with  boiling  water  and  let  it  steam  for  aii 
hour  and  a  half,  not  permitting  it  to  boil,  but  only 
sinuuer  most  gently.  This  will  make  it  tendd, 
while  hard  boiling  would  toughen  it.  ^I'lie  wab; 
can  be  us(h1  for  the  gravy,  or  saved  for  soup.  1 
already  tender,  heat  the  gravy  and  put  the  meat  in, 
letting  it  remain  for  ten  minutes,  but  being  careliii 
not  to  boil  it.     Then  pour  it  over  the  toast. 

Slices  of  tender  roast  or  boiled  meat  can  be  hcatcl 
in  the  gravy,  which  is  then  poured  round  them  cn 
the  dish,  garnished  if  desired  with  sprigs  of  paisKy. 

Remember  that  boiling  cooked  meat  toughens  it, 
a  thing  especially  to  be  avoided. 


COOKING   STEAK    AND   CHOI'S 


67 


li  nicely 
he  iTicai 
3  toiiirli. 
11  for  ail 
ut  only 

t(Ml(l(T, 

WAh' 

).    1; 
ical  ill. 

CiUX't'lll 


T 


TOMATO     MINCE 

Fill  a  l)aking  dish  with  alternate  layers  of  minced 
niciil  and  canned,  or  stewed  tomato.  Cover  tlie  top 
with  bread  emnnbs  and  a  few  [)ieees  of  butter  to  ia- 
cilitatc  the  browning  and  bake  three-qnarters  of  an 
h.iiir.  The  tomato  should  be  seasoned  with  pepper 
and  salt,  and,  if  liked,  a  little  nutmeg  may  be  grate<l 
ovor  it,  or  a  sprinkle  of  mace. 

CREAMED     CinCKEN 

Make  a  cream  sauce  by  melting  one  tablespoon ful 

of  butter  in  a  frying  ])an  and  cooking  in  it  two 

tablcspoonfids  of  flotn* ;  add  one  pint  of  milk.     Roil- 

ini::  i'at,  as  butter,  attains  a  nuich  higher  temperature 

jtiiaii  boiling  milk  or  water.     The  starchy  part  of 

kiic  Hour  cooked  In  it  is  chano-ed  into  dextriius  <>;ivin<r 

^tlic  sauce  a  smoother,  richer  taste  and  more  agre^^able 

llavor  than  when  flour  and  butter  arc  simplv  rubbed 

It^L^ctluM' and  boiled   in  the  milk.     Have  ready  the 

t'l  lumcnts    I'cmaining    from    cold    roast,    or  boiled, 

cliltkcii,  both  light  and  dark  meat,   cut   into    neat 

in  rscls,  stir  them   in  and  let  them   remain  on  the 

til  '  for  riv{»   minutes  to  permit  the  mass  to   become 

til  roughly  hot.     Serve  in  a  deep,  covered  dish. 

C()()K[N(}    STEAK    AND    CHOPS 

It  is  sometimes  impossible  to  g'^t  a  good  fii'e  for 
H'oiling,  and  then  the  frying  pan  nuist  be  used  as  a 


wwPMSSiWiHIil 


wmmmmm 


68 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


fKvm 


substitute  for  the  gridiron.  p]ven  when  this  is  tlie 
case  tlie  meat  need  not  be  fried  in  the  ordinaiv  ac- 
ceptation of  the  term.  Heat  the  frying  pan  verv 
hot,  put  a  little  dripping,  cottolene,  or  a  piece  of  fat 
from  the  steak,  or  chops,  in  the  bottom  of  tlie  pan. 
Lift  it  for  a  moment  to  prevent  the  fat  from  burn. 
ing.  Have  steak  cut  about  an  inch  thick.  If  it 
seems  tough  rub  it  witli  strong  vi'H^gar  an  hour 
before  using  and  wipe  it  olf  with  a  dry  clotli. 
Pounding  the  meat  with  the  edge  of  a  plate  soft 
the  fibre.  Trim  cho])s  nicely,  removing  the  fa!, 
Lay  the  meat  in  the  pan  when  it  is  as  hot  as  pos^i 
ble,  that  the  heat  may  close  the  ]>ores  and  kccpii; 
the  juice.  Turn  it  (piickly  from,  side  to  side  thai  • 
may  not  burn,  draw  back  the  pan  a  little  and  a^-Nni 
as  tlie  meat  is  done  remove  it  from  the  pan,  imt  al 
lowiuiT  it  to  cook  until  it  is  drv  and  hai'd. 

All  meat  except  pork  and  veal  should  be  cateo 
rare,  the  flesh  looking  a  little  rtd.  If  this  i.-  not 
liked,  at  least  do  not  cook  it  uiitil  every  partich^if 
juice  is  evaporated  and  nothing  but  tasteless  muscle 
left. 

FISH 

This  is  an  excellent  substitute  for  meat  at  bioak- 
fast.  When  it  can  be  obtained  fresh  it  cnii  '" 
eook(>d  in  any  of  the  usual  ways.  Those  who  havf 
not  tried  it  have  no  idea  how  much  better  slicrs  oi 


fresh 

I)()ih"iii 

like  .i 

\hv  s'l 

taste  u 

of  th.' 

The  i\ 

uater  ; 

(A.(l 

(i rated 

|gesti!)h 

hciiior  t; 

thi'ee  oi 
I  The\' 
I  with  mi 
,Th('  Ia>i 
|iiaiiiiier 

|be  hl'oii; 

)ver  th( 
h'lwn  ill 


•  li'sii'al 
contains 
(n  the  sv 

The  11 


EGGS 


69 


frcsli  lisli  are  rolled  in  Indian  meal  dropped  into 
boilin;^:  tat  deep  enough  to  eover  them  and  boiled 
like  (louo'linuts.  (.V)d  fish  balls  ean  be  eooked  in 
tli(>  -ame  way.  The  flavor  is  far  sn[)erior  to  the 
taste  when  fried  in  a  shallow  pan.  The  fieree  heat 
of  tilt'  l)f)iling  fat  cooks  tliem  in  about  two  minutes. 
The  fat  can  be  strained,  clarified  by  boiling  with 
MMtcr  n.id  used  again. 

Coil  fisli  can  be  shredded  and  creamed  like  cliioken. 
Grated  nil! meg  improves  it.  Oysters  are  very  di- 
g('sti!)lc  and  may  be  creamed  in  the  same  way,  care 
boiuir  taken  to  leave  them  in  the  boilino;  sauce  onlv 
[three  or  four  minutes  until  the  edges  curl. 

They  can  be  scalloped  with  bread  crumbs,  stewed 
with  milk,  heated  in  their  own  liquor,  or  eaten  raw. 
JTlio  hi>t  being  to  many  })ersons  the  most  delicious 
|D'.;uincr  of  serving  them.  Sections  of  lemon  should 
[be  brought  to  the  table  with  them,  the  juice  squeezed 
)vcr  them  being  an  indis[)ensable  accompaniment 
piirii  they  are  taken  raw. 


EGGS 

Kiigs  do  not  agree  with  some  persons.     They  ai'c 
dcsii'able  food  because  practically  all  the  material 
)iitaiiicd  in  them  is  digested  and  turned  to  account 
fii  the  system. 
The  usual  method  of  boilluir  them  toujihens  the 


rBmmmmmnms 


mmmmmm 


m 


70 


PliEPA RATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


white,  or  albiiniinuiis  ])()rli()ii,  rendering  itlikeleailKi 
Ji'  an  egii;  is  put  into  l)oiling  water,  which  is  tlii', 
\N  ithdrawn  to  the  back  of  the  stove,  where  it  will  kn , 
hot  but  not  boil,  and  left  for  ten  minutes,  the  wliii- 
will  be  soft  and  iellv-llke. 

Those  who  do  not  care  for  tlieni  in  this  state  liiiij 
better  have  them  seraiubled  with  a  little  milk,  mad 
into  an  omelette,  or  dropped  into  water  without  t'n^ 
shell  and  served  on  toast.  Fried  eggs  must  l)e|)rii- 
hibited. 

EGG    LEMONADE 

Egg  lemonade  is  palatable  to  many.  Theeirgi? 
lightly  beaten,  the  lemonade  made  separately  and 
poured  upon  it. 

EGG    BROTH 

Egg  broth  is  made  in  the  same  way,  substitutiiij 
boiling  waler  for  the  lemonade;  sugar  or  salt  ni. 
l)e  added  as  preferred.  The  ejxff  must  be  ear*  I'lilh 
stirred  during  the  j)roeess,  or  it  will  curdle.  Tiii^^ 
can  sometimes  be  retained  when  there  is  nausea  or 
when  solid  food  would  be  rejected.  In  this  ease  it 
should  be  taken  very  hot  and  without  sugar. 


r 

with  li 
im».-t  j 
w  ith  SI 
ciistai'i 
tains  it 


neat 

ill  the 

(if  l)()ili 

llles.      . 


Bui  I  ; 
Ino^  reiK 

Cold    \v;i 

from  tui 
and  stir 
ually  t\v 
whites  ( 
[squeezer 
klico  of  t 


ALBUMEN 

The  white  of  the  egg  may  be  shaken   in  a  self- 
sealing  jar  with  a  glass  of  cold  water  and  flavurttli 


dieii  (h'« 


BAKED  EGGS — DROPPED  EGGS  OX  RICE   71 


with  lemon  juice,  or  seasoned  witli  salt.  Iking  al- 
most pure  iilbiinien,  it  is  very  nourisliiiig.  l>eat(>n 
\vitli  siiuar  it  can  bo  spread  over  puddinLi:^,  baked 
I'li-taiil,  <'tc.,  and  browned  in  the  oven  ;  it  still  re- 
tains its  valuable  [)roperties. 

HAKED    EGGS 

]]('[[{  tlie  white  of  the  egg  to  a  stiff  froth,  put  it 
in  the  dish  in  which  it  is  to  be  served.  Drop  the 
vdlk  lii;htlv  in  the  centre.  Place  the  dish  in  a  i)an 
ol"  hoiliuji;  water,  cover  and  let  it  stand  for  two  min- 
iiics.     A  shaHow  cnp  answers  the  purpose  very  well. 


it  i  tut  1112 1 

kit  niav 

larctiillv 

.     Thi«| 

usoa  or  I 

case  it 


PAR>[EvSAN    EGGS 

Boil  two  eggs  for  twenty  niinntes;  the  long  cook- 
ino;  renders  them  more  digestible.  Drop  them  in 
[cold  water  for  a  few  niinntes  to  prevent  the  y(dks 
Ifroiu  turning  dark.  Melt  one  teaspoonfnl  oi' butter 
land  stir  into  it  one  teaspoonfnl  of  flour,  add  grad- 
(uallv  two  ii'ills  of  milk.  AVhen  it  thickens  add  the 
pliites  of  the  eggs  pressed  through  a  ))otat() 
quoezcr  or  chopped  fine.  Pour  the  mixture  over  a 
Islico  of  toast  and  o^rate  the  volks  of  the  eiro^s  over  it. 


a  self- 
la  voroii  I 


DROPPED    EGGS   ON    RICE 
Ego>  less  than  two  days  old  do  not  set  readily 
dion  dropped  into  boiling  water,  bnt  few  of  us  are 


Tl 


rilEPAIlATlON    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


»  i;. 


lucky  enough  to  be  able  to  get  tliem  as  fr('^ll  a- 
this.  A  teaspoonful  of  vinegar  in  tlie  water  Ik  l[i> 
to  preserve  the  sliape.  Have  the  water  boilinu  witi, 
a  little  salt  in  it,  break  tlie  Qg^^  earefully  in  a  saucii 
and  slip  it  gently  into  the  water.  Let  it  eook  nltdii: 
two  minutes  and  lift  it  out  witli  a  ])erf()rated  latlii. 
Have  ready  a  flat  dish  spread  witli  a  thick  lay(  r  nt 
boik'd  rice  and  lav  the  e(X<>;s  neatlv  on  it.  Ivi< c  V 
especially  suitable  to  be  eaten  with  eggs,  as  it  sup- 
plies the  starch  in  which  the  egg  is  deficient. 

RICE 

Rice  is  often  disliked  because  it  is  impropcih 
prepared.  A  wet,  sticky,  tasteless  mass  is  not  appe- 
tizing. AVhen  the  rice  is  smoking  hot,  every  uMiiin 
distinct  and  the  flavor  intact,  it  assumes  a  diilrrciit 
aspect.  The  ex{)ectant  mother  should  try  to  learn 
to  like  it,  if  she  has  a  prejudice  against  it,  as  it  is  a 
bland  food  very  suitable  for  her.  Dr.  Pavy,  an  an- 
thoritv  on  food  and  dietetics,  savs  that  starcliv 
matters,  in  addition  to  playing  a  part  in  fat  forma- 
tion, contribute  to  the  manufacture  in  the  body  of  the 
highest  form  of  matter  we  know — that  is,  protiiJ 
material.  Rice  contains  a  very  large  pro])orti(ui  of 
starch.  Tapioca  and  sago  may  be  included  in  tlie 
same  category. 

To  boil  rice  put  half  a  cup  in  one  quart  of  l)oil- 


t)(r 


UlCE 


73 


^?^h  as 

i'  with 

ladle, 
ycr  (if 
vi<T  i^ 


iii(r  salted  water,  iiaviiig  previously  well  wa.slied  the 
rice  ill  several  cold  waters.  It  will  cook  in  from 
fittirn  to  twenty  minutes  and  nnist  be  removed  as 
soon  a>  teiuler  while  the  water  is  still  clear.  Drain 
and  set  the  sauce  pan  on  the  top  of  the  stove  uncov- 
creil,  stirring  the  rice  occasionally  with  a  fork  as  it 
(IricH.  It  is  much  improved  by  using-  milk,  chicken, 
1)((  r  or  mutton  broth  instead  of  water,  or  serving  a 
good  gravy  with  it  to  pour  over  it. 

Rice  can  be  baked  in  milk,  allowing  half  a  cup 
to  each  (jiiart  of  milk.  It  is  cooked  for  two  or  three 
hours,  beinjr  stirred  occasionally  and  milk  added  as 
it  boils  away  until  the  whole  is  a  creamy  mass. 
Sii<!;ar  can  be  added  if  desired. 

llice  pudding  can  be  made  with  eggs  and  differ- 
ent Havorings,  as  lemon,  vanilla,  rose  water,  etc., 
used  to  make  a  variety.  Rice  can  also  be  added  to 
sou})S  and  made  into  a  jelly  by  long  boiling,  sweet- 
ened, flavored  and  pressed  into  a  mold.  Stoned 
raisins  can  be  scattered  through  the  jelly  to  improve 
the  taste. 

Plain  boiled  rice  pressed  into  a  mould,  allowed  to 
cool,  turned  out  and  surrounded  with  custard,  or  a 
l)or(l<i-  of  jam,  makes  an  excellent  substitute  for 
a  piuldiug.  It  may  also  be  substituted  for  tapioca 
in  the  following  recipe : 


SBoa 


i.Mi.^.^..i.\jmmmBmm 


74 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTH  KRIIOOI) 


TAPIOCA    (REAM 

Put  three  large  tablcspoonfuls  of*  taplocii  to  sonk 
over  ni<^lit.  Jt'tliis  is  impo.ssil)le  k't  it  soak  in  warm  I 
tnillv  for  two  or  tliree  hours,  lioil  one  quart  of 
milk,  sweeten  to  taste,  a(kl  the  tnpioea  and  the  yolks 
ol'  tiiree  eggs  well  beaten,  flavor  with  vanilla,  (ir 
lemon.  Pour  into  a  dish  and  when  eool  eovei'  the 
to[)  with  the  whites  of  the  eggs  beaten  to  a 
stiff  froth  with  a  little  sugar.  Place  in  the  oven  to 
color  slightly;  if  preferred  the  whites  can  be  stirred 
through  the  cool  cream  after  being  well  beaten. 
This  makes  it  lighter  and  more  frothy. 


I 


DELICATE     PUDDING 

Boil  half  a  cup  of  rice  in  two  cups  of  water. 
AVheii  nearly  soft  add  two  cups  of  hot  milk.  As 
soon  as  the  liquid  boils  again  stir  in  the  well  beaten 
yolks  of  four  eggs,  removing  it  from  the  fire  in  a 
minute  lest  the  eggs  curdle.  Sweeten  to  taste, 
using  about  half  a  cup  of  sugar.  Beat  the  whites 
of  the  eggs  very  light  and  whisk  them  into  the  mix- 
ture.    Serve  cold. 


]    i 


RICE    AND   APPLE     PUDDINGS 

Wash  well  one  teaeu})ful  of  rice.  Pare,  quarter 
and  core  six  apples.  Mix  and  tie  in  a  bag  fV(>slily 
wrung  out  of  boiling  water  and  dredged  with  flour 


CH E ES E —  ('II I<: ES E   C 1 1 USTS 


76 


P1iiiil;(;  in  boiliiij*'  water  and  (.'ouk  tliree-qiiarters  of 
ail  liniir.  Do  not  tie  the  \)i\^^  too  tinhtly"  but  allow 
rouiii  tor  the  riee  to  swell.  See  that  the  water  does 
not  stop  boiling.  Siioar  may  be  added  to  the  [)nd- 
diiit''  it' desired,  or  a  sweet  sauce  served  with  it. 

CHEESE 

It  is  said  that  the  lono-  cookino;  of  cheese  converts 
it  from  an  indii^-estible  substance  into  a  verv  nutri- 


tious one 


It 


airi'oes  with  nianv 


P^ 


rsons  even  with 


out  bcinu:  cooked.  If  this  is  the  case  with  the  ex- 
pcctaut  mother,  she  need  not  omit  it  from  her  diet 
list,  as  it  is  a  savorv  addition  to  luanv  dishes  and  can 
)ni('tiines  take  the  place  of  the  meat  which  is  not  so 


S( 


o'( »( t( 


1  for  1 


ler 


CHEESE     SCALLOP 


111 


Moisten  two  cups  of  bread  crumbs  with  as  much 
ilk  as  they  will  absorb.  IMace  a  layer  of  these 
ami  a  layer  of  grated  cheese  alternately  in  a  baking 
pan;  when  full,  cover  the  last  layer  of  (cheese  with 


(U-v    (Tum 


bs,   dot    with    tinv    bits    of    l)utter  and 


naue  in  a  slow  oven  one  iioui 


h 


It 


is  an    uuprove- 


nio 


nt  to  add  a  sprinkle  of  salt  and  a  few  grains  of 


hakino-  soda  to  the  milk. 


CHEi:SE   CRUSTS 
Cut  slices  of  brown,  or  oatmeal,  bread  in    four 
iiK'li  s{juares,  butter  them  slightly,  spread  them  with 


7G 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


grated  cheese,  heaping  it  higli  in  the  middle,  ;iiu] 
brown  in  a  quick  oven  about  fifteen  minutes.  Servo 
hot. 

CHEESE   TOAST 

Make  milk  toast  in  the  usual  wav,  but  before 
pouring  the  (;reani  over  the  toast  spread  each  slice 
with  grated  cheese. 

CHEESE   PUFF 

Take  half  a  teacupful  of  bread  crumbs,  half  atca- 
cuj>ful  of  grated  cheese,  a  dessertspoonful  of  butter 
and  one  cup  of  milk.  IVIix  these  together  and  add 
two  eggs,  the  yolks  and  whites  beaten  separately. 
Beat  all  together  briskly,  ]>our  into  a  baking  pan  and 
cook  in  a  quick  oven  about  twenty  minutes.  Salt 
and  pepper  may  be  used  at  discretion. 


i  . 


CEREALS 

Hominy,  farina,  cracked  wheat,  farinose  oatmeal, 
etc.,  may  be  eaten.  It  is  important  to  remember  that 
the  latter  requires  long  slow  cooking,  six  or  elulit 
hours  being  none  too  much.  It  can  be  prepared 
the  afternoon  previously  and  re-heated  for  breakfast. 
A  double  boiler  is  the  most  convenient  vessel  to  u<e, 
as  then  there  is  no  fear  of  burning.  If  none  is  at 
hand,  a  tin  ])ail  with  a  tight-fitting  cover  set  in  a 
pot  of  boiling  water  answers  the  purpose  very  well. 


!uul  :"  - 


5C'rvc 


I  r-lleo 


a  tca- 
l)uttcr 
[1  add 

rat  civ. 
,11  ami 

Salt 


:nieal 


OATMEAL    BREAD — OATMEAL   TEA    CAKE 


77 


SoiiH'  persons  who  do  not  like  oatmeal  porridge 
find  the  oatiiK^al  palatable  when  made  into  bread  or 
caki's,  and  to  these  the  following  recipes  will  be 
wclcoiiie. 

OATMEAL    BREAD 

Boil  two  and  one-half  cnps  of  oatmeal  thorouixhlv. 
W'licp  ('(M)l  pnt  it  in  apanaiid  add  half  a  eiip  of  iikj- 
la«Hs,  hall'  a  cnp  of  licpiid  yeast,  or  half  an  yeast 
cake,  a  tcaspoonfiil  of  salt  and  enongh  flour  to  make 
ii  tilt'  eonsisteney  of  ordinary  bread  dough,  not  too 
-liir.  J*nt  it  in  pans  to  rise  until  very  light  and 
bake  it  an  hour  and  a  half. 

OAT\MEAL   CAKES 

Take  two  cups  of  flour,  two  cups  of  oatmeal, 
tlinr  if  the  rolled  oatmeal  is  used,  and  mix  them 
well  with  a  spoon.  Add  half  a  cup  of  sugar,  two 
tahlopoonfuls  of  melted  butter,  a  little  salt  and  a 
small  half  teaspoonful  of  baking  soda  dissolved  in 
halt'  a  teacupful  of  milk.  If  more  milk  is  iieed(>(l 
add  enough  to  make  the  mixture  stiff  enongh  to  roll 
(till  like  rather  thin  biscuit.  Cut  in  shapes  and 
l>ake  in  a  moderate  oven. 


OATMEAL   TEA   CAKE 

Mix  together  two  cups  of   oatmeal,  one  cu{>  of 
flour,  a  tablespoonful  of  butter,  one  teaspoonful  of 


78 


rilEPA RATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


soda,  two  of  cream  of  tui'tjir  iiiid  two  ciip^  of  milk 
IJiike  twenty  minutes  mid   hicak  in    scjuare.s   wlmi   ( 
hot. 

(HOICK    OF    FOOD 

Women  who  are  aeeiistonKHl  to  snhsist  eliictiv 
nj)()n  meat  will  fnid  it  diflieult  to  ehanj^e  their  ac- 
customed diet  and  learn  to  suj)j>ly  its  place  with  li»> 
stinnilatiuL^  food.  The  ellort  should  be  made  liir 
the  sake  of  both  mother  and  (;hild  ;  each  \\  ill  lie 
greatly  benefited.  Diiferent  metliods  of  codkin: 
vegetables  should  be  tried,  and  wlienever  pos-ihli 
vegetable  soups  should  be  substituted  for  those  iiiadc 
of  meat. 

I'OTATO   SOUP 

Boil  ten  good-sized  potatoes.  When  done,  <h:iiii, 
sj)iinkle  with  salt  and  shake  well  in  the  sauce  j)aii 
before  turning  them  out.  This  breaks  the  starchy 
grannies  on  the  surface  and  makes  them  look  mealy. 
JMash  them  smooth.  Melt  a  large  tablespoon I'liI  of 
butter  in  a  sauce  pan,  stir  into  it  three  teaspoon  fills  (»f 
flour,  when  cooked  add  gradually  three  pints  of 
milk  ;  let  it  boil  for  a  few  minutes  to  thicken,  then 
add  the  freshly  mashed  potato  and  salt  if  necessary. 
When  it  again  boils  pour  into  a  tureen,  It  can  U' 
strained  throuiih  a  sieve  if  desired. 


%t 


T( )  M  A  T( )   soil  • — !( )  M  A  TO  ES 


79 


nilk. 

aIu'11 


liicHy 
V  at'- 

Ic  inr  I 
ill  lie 

jssihk' 
'  niiult.' 


(li'aiii, 
Itiiivliy 

Ileal}. 
I'll!  nt 
nils  of 
t-  of 
then 
I'ssary. 
•an  be 


TOMATO  sori» 

Skin  and  slice  uiic  (|iiarf  ot*  tomatoes,  eook  tliem 
inoiie  (juait  of  boiliiiu-  water  until  jtei'f'ectly  tender, 
a(M  one  teaspoonl'nl  of  soda  to  correct  the  excessive 
aciditv.  When  the  effervescence  sid)sides  sti'ain  them 
and  add  to  the  litjuid  one  Cjuart  of  millc,  sail  and 
[t('j)j)('r  to  taste.  Thicken  with  one  tahlespoonf'nl  of 
Imitt  r  and  one  of  Hour  hoik^l  toii^ethcr,  and  when  the 
-(tup  Ixiils  a^•ain  pour  out  and  sei've.  Cjuuied  to- 
mat)  ks  may  he  sid)stituted  for  the  fresh  ones. 

TOMATOES 

Teinato  and  potato  are  both  valnaUK^  additions  to 
the  diet  list  and  should  bo  prepared  in  as  many 
ditl'crent  ways  as  possible  to  prevent  them  from  bo- 
cniniiig  distasteful.  The  on(^  contains  acid  whicdi 
the  stomach  often  craves,  and  the  other  is  lari^cdy 
comp(isod  of  starch  which  Dr.  Andrew  Wilson  ted  Is 
us  is  a  muscle  food. 

It  is  scared V  necessarv  to  do  more  than  remind 
the  housewife  of  the  iri'fat  varietv  of  \vavs  in  which 
tomatoes  can  be  cooked.  Stewed  with  bread  crumbs, 
or  ('lacker  crumbs,  or  thickened  with  butter  and 
Hour,  l)aked,  broiled,  or  scalloped,  they  are  always 
delicious  to  those  wdio  like  them,  and  the  taste  for 
them  can  be  acquired  when  it  does  not  exist. 

A  tiny  pinch  of  soda  neutralizes  the  excess  of 


m 


PREPARATfOX    FOR    MOTIIFJIIIOOD 


acid  which  is  sometimes  too  ])roii()nnce(l  to  he  aLnw- 
able.  A  httle  nutmeg  improves  the  flavor  ior  tlidse 
who  care  for  it  and  a  s])o()n('iil  of  sugar  is  desira!)lc. 

GREEN    TOMATOES 

Green  tomatoes  cut  in  slices,  sprinkled  with 
])epper  and  salt  and  browned  in  a  iVving  pan  v.iih  ;i 
little  butter,  good  beef  dripping,  or  cottolene,  an 
considered  a  delicacy.  The  slices  should  be  vciv 
thin. 

POTATOES 

Thei'  are  almost  innumerable  methods  of  prepar- 
ing potatoes,  both  the  first  time  and  for  rc-co(»kiiii: 
them.  A  few  facts  should  be  borne  in  mind  in  re- 
gard to  this  favorite  veg^'table.  Potatoes  are  iiiorc 
palatable  l)aked  than  boiled  Ixvause  the  potash  wlmii 
helps  to  give  them  flavor,  being  soluble,  is  melted  In 
the  l)oiling  water  and  remains  in  it.  Salt  sprinkldl 
over  them  after  they  are  boiled  helps  to  absoi'b  the 
surface  moisture  and  makes  them  mealv.  PotatiK- 
should  not  be  (!ut  in  pieces,  as  the  water  penetiatiiiL: 
them  makes  them  soddcMi,  Thev  should  noi  In 
jiared  before  boiling.  One  of  the  best  ])otato  piv<s<- 
retains  the  brown  jacket  and  lets  the  inner  pait  nt 
the  tuber  pass  through  in  fine  particles.  If  a  lit 
cold  water  is  poured  into  the  pot  just  before  the 


acccpfa 

treated 

crcaince 

.  brouiiec 

;Ciit  in  t 

^Saratoirf 


Cut  01 
two  tabli 
S|»' ion  fill, 
and  a  lit 
a  little  0. 
to  pre  von 
Ilic  sauce 
l)akii)i>- 

I'x'  potat( 

tile  top  \\i 

fweiify  mi 
iprovciui 


lit' 


\-  an.' 


d(>ne,  the  inside  is  allowed  to  cook  thoroughly  m  itli- 


:M. 


*t'.^-.. 


HIIUSSKLS   POTATOES — PANNED    POTATOES      81 


,,iit  the  outside  beino;  boiled  to  pieces.  They  should 
be  taken  up  the  inoiiient  they  are  tender  and  drained 
iiistantiv  ;  standing  in  the  watei*  ruins  them. 

Well  cooked  potatoes  can  always   be  done  over 

acccpiahlv  and  there   is  no   vegetable  that  ean   be 

gtnatcd    in    as    nuiny    different    ways.       Scalloped, 

civaincd,  pressed  into  a  dish,  brushed  viih  milk  and 

i brow  tied  in  the  oven,  made  into  crocpiettes,  stuffed, 

'cut  in  tlii!i  slices  and  dropped  into  boiling  lard  as 

Saratoga  chips,  all  are  good. 

BRUSSELS    POTATOES 

Cut  one  quart  of  boiled  potatoes  into  dice.  Melt 
two  tab'.espoonfuls  of  butter,  ))oil  in  it  two  table- 
spiionf'uls  of  flour,  add  gradually  one  pint  of  milk 
and  a  little  salt.  Beat  three  eggs  very  light,  pour 
a  little  of  the  hot  sauce  on  them  at  a  time,  heating 
ing,  until  all  is  added.  Return  it  to 
md  let    it  boil   one  minute.     Fill    a 


th  alt 


h 


Qvniiii)  lavers  o 


)f  tl 


le  sau(;e  anc 


I 


sprii)''l(  1  with  salt  and  pep})er,  cover 
ad  crumbs,  dot  with  butter  and  bake 
A  little  nutmeg  is  considered  an 
those  who  like  it. 

PANNED     POTATOES 

potato  into  thin  slices,  put  them  in  a 
till  it  with  milk,  each  layer  having 


82 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


been  sprinkled  with  salt.  Put  tlie  dish  in  the  ovei; 
and  bake  for  two  hours.  If  the  milk  boils  awav 
vory  much  add  a  littl(3  more,  as  there  sIkmiM  U, 
plenty  of  moisture  when  the  process  is  liiiislnd 
This  is  an  excellent  way  to  dis})osc»of  small,  or  in-  \ 
ferior,  potatoes,  particularly  in  the  spring  when  tlm  j 
begin  to  grow  soft.  They  should  then  be  soukwlio 
cold  water  before  slicing. 

POTATO    PUFF 

Take  two  cups  of  mashed  potato,  beat  it  sinootli 
with  three  tablespoon fuls  of  cream,  or  two  of  mill; 
and  one  of  melted  butter,  season  with  ])epp(  i-  aiiJ 
salt.  Stir  in  the  well  beaten  volks  of  two  em. 
Whisk  the  whites  very  light  and  beat  them  li^litlv 
into  the  mixture.  Put  them  in  a  well  buttcml 
baking  dish  and  brown  in  a  quick  oven  ;  serve  ii' 
soon  as  the  disii  is  withdrawn  from  it,  as  the  piiti 
falls  if  kept  waiting. 

GREEN    VEGETAliEES 

In  summer  tlunv  is  a  wide  choice  in  green  vesie- 
tables  which  in  winter  are  not  available.  At  tha! 
season,  especially  in  the  country,  the  range  of  sclw- 
tion  is  extremely  limited  ;  so  the  most  must  be  uiaJt 
of  the  resources  at  command. 


j  ^ 


Cabl) 
tai)I(',  a 
liHowcr. 

;,  tri'S,  ill  ; 

ii!L!:,  >al( 
sunc  till 
s  the  hvdt 
Trv  the 
invc  it  t( 
it  into  a 
'■     -^  wit 

[iwLilS)  to 

sauce  or  j 

L(tti^ 
smclliiio-. 

be  cut  In 
(  ari'ot- 

i<'iv;ilii    s;ii 
tliickciied 
two  of  hii 
desired. 


To  carl 
ind  stand 


CABBAGE — CANNED   CORN 


83 


;i\v;iv 

M  I. 

or  iii- 
u  they 
lu'd  io 


^inootli 
li'  milk 
icr  and 

liditlv 

uttmtil 

rvo  lb 

lie  jnitl'l 


A  tii:.; 

f  -citr- 
ic UKulc 


I 


'- 


CABBAGE 

Cabbagio,  not  usually  considered  a  delicate  vege- 
table, ran  be  so  cooked  as  to  be  almost  equal  to  cau- 
li (lower.  It'  the  head  is  a  large  one,  cut  it  in  quar- 
tri's,  ill  anv  case  in  two.  Have  ready  a  pot  of  boil- 
iii.j;,  salted  water.  Plunge  in  the  cabbage,  at  the 
vaiiic  tiiiu'  adding  a  little  boiling  water  to  keep  up 
(lie  heat.  ]>oil  one  hour,  leaving  the  pot  uncovered. 
Trv  the  cabbage  with  a  fork  ;  if  not  perfectly  tender 
irivc  it  ten  or  fifteen  minutes'  longer  cooking.  Turn 
it  into  a  vegetable  dish  and  cut  it  througli  several 
'■  ^  with  a  sharp  knife,  that  there  may  be  no  large 
puiia  to  embarrass  the  helping.  6erve  with  a  cream 
saiK'c  or  accompanied  bv  butter  and  vineiicar. 

Long  boiling  makes  cabl)age  dark  and  strong 
sinelliiig.  The  same  is  true  of  turnips,  which  should 
hv  cut  in  thin  slices  to  facilitate  the  process. 

Carrots  can  be  cut  in  small  pieces  and  served  with 


iVYvam   sauce. 


This  only  means  a  pint  of  milk, 
thickened  with  two  tablespoon fuls  of  flour  and  one  or 
two  of  butter  according  to  the  amount  of  richness 
desired.     It  is  very  good  with  the  butter  omitted. 

CANNED   CORN 

To  (>ach  can  of  corn  allow  one  pint  of  milk  and 
two  eutrs ;  season  with  salt.  Put  in  a  baking  dish 
and  stand  this  in  a  pan  of  hot  water.     Bake  until  it 


il„ii^ 


^ssBomsammmmmmmm 


84 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


sets  like  thin  custard.  It  usually  takes  about  t>vf'ntv 
minutes  or  half  an  hour,  but  much  depends  on  tlio 
lieat  of  the  oven.  Green  corn  grated  from  the  col) 
can  be  used  in  the  same  way. 


FRUIT 

The  expectant  mother  should  abjure  pastry,  rid 
boiled  puddings  and  anything  that  she  finds  ovd- 
taxes  her  digestive  powers.  I^ight  puddings,  cus- 
tard, blanc  mange,  etc.,  may  be  eaten  with  impniiin 
and  fruit  is  essential.  Orani»;es  and  lemons  can 
usually  be  procured,  even  in  winter,  and  these  are 
especially  beneficial.  In  summer  there  is  little  diffi 
culty  in  keeping  up  the  supply. 

When  fresh    fruit    cannot    be  obtained,    ])niiii' 
evaporated  a]>ples  and    peaches,  i)runelles,  a  sniai  j 
dried  })lum,  and    canned    peaches    should    take  it- 
place.     No    meal    should    be   considered   cornpltit 
without  fruit. 

L^Miion  juice  squeezed  on  sugar  may  be  used  \\\m\ 
nothing  else  can  l)e  procured  and  may  also  suppli 
ment  other  fruit. 


A  si  I) 
#  preparec, 
missed  I 
witl](jra\ 
i^istcd  up 
;ts  is  alas 
it  eiihaix 
Wci'o  slo' 
live  [)v  t 

till'  S(()[)l; 

liu'iii  inc 
Tea  UK 
I  ^vater  luu 
•"^'.^  is  coi 


RAKED    RAN ANAS 

Bananas  are  thought  to  be  more  digestible  win: 
cooked  than  raw  and  can  be  prepared  in   the  follt)\»| 
ing  manner:  Remove  the  narrowest  strip  of  skin i 


All  v: 


xc 


BP:VERAGES — TEA — COFFEE 


85 


sma.. 


1 


rarefullv  loosen  the  flesh  of  the  bananas  at  the  sides 
from  the  skin,  withont  breaking  the  ends.  Fill  the 
ppaco  with  sugar,  moistened  with  lemon  juice  if  pre- 
ferred. I)ake  twenty  minutes,  serve  in  the  skin 
which  will  be  filled  with  jelly  if  it  has  not  tipped 
over  while  baking. 

BEVERAGES — TEA 

A  single  cup  of  tea  or  coffee  each  day  properly 
propared  does  no  harm.  The  stinmlation  is  much 
iiii-'^scd  by  those  accustomed  to  it  if  it  is  suddenly 
withdrawn.  The  proper  preparation  must  be  in- 
sisted upon.  Tea  steeped  in  a  tin  tea  pot,  or  boiled, 
;h  is  alas  sometimes  done  under  the  impression  that 
it  eiihan(^es  the  strength,  should  be  avoided  as  i('  it 
were  slow  poison,  as  indeed  it  is.  The  taimiu  set 
i'viv  hy  the  process  acts  injuriously  on  the  coats  of 
till' stomach,  tanning  them  as  it  were  and  rendering 
iIkiii  inca[)able  of  their  proper  work  of  digestion. 

Tea  made  in  an  earthen  tea  })ot  with  freshly  boihnl 
water  and  drank  when  it  has  stood  only  a  few  min- 
utes  is  comparatively  harndess. 


COFFEE 


wln'l  ^^"  excellent  way  to  make  coftee  is  to  mix  it  with 
ollow  f  '">  ^'^g,  or  a  little  cold  water  and  a  j>iece  of  cod  Hsh 
f  skii        '''^'"'  Fill  the  cotfee  pot  with  the  requisite  amount  of 


; 


8G 


PRKPA  RATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


cold  water  and  remove  it  from  the  fire  as  soon  as  it 
boils. 

COCOA 

Cocoa  made  with  half  milk  and  half  water  i« 
really  preferable  to  either  tea  or  coffee  from  an  li\- 
gienic  point  of  view,  but  so  few  persons  find  it  an 
adequate  substitute  that  it  is  difficult  to  use  it  ex- 
clusively. 

OTHER  bp:verages 

Plain  hot  water  is  acceptable  to  a  few  and  the 
taste  for  it  can  be  cultivated. 

Lemonade  is  valuable  and  can  be  drunk  either  hot 
or  cold.  The  white  of  an  egg  can  be  shaken  ^vitll 
each  glass. 

Orangeade  made  from  the  juice  of  an  orange  witli 
the  yolk  of  an  egg  beaten  light  and  added  tu  it  i> 
preferred  by  some  persons ;  a  dash  of  lemon  juin 
improves  it. 

Any  tart  preserve,  as  cranberry,  gooseberry,,  or  the 
small  sweet- water  plum  can  be  used  as  a  flavitriiig. 
It  is  best  to  pour  hot  water  on  them  and  let  it  stand 
until  cool  if  desired.  ♦ 


FOOD   IN   NAUSEA 


When  there  is  much  nausea  it  is  often  impossible 
to  retain  solid  food  and  then  licpiid  must  be  given  iu 


MILK — PEPTONIZrro    MILK 


87 


small  quantities.  A  teaspoonfnl  taken  aiul  retained 
does  more  good  than  a  teaeupfnl  wliicli  goes  down 
onlv  ti>  be  instantly  rejected.  Sometimes  the  stom- 
ach can  bo  coaxed  into  good  behavior  by  repeatedly 
administering  a  very  little  fluid  at  intervals  of  half 
an  hour.     It  learns    toleration  and  will  soon  bear 

nun'c. 

MILK 

Milk  ean  seldom  be  borne  alone  and  should  never 
1)0  ^ivcn  if  it  is  disliked,  or  there  is  any  difficulty  in 
its  diuostion  when  the  person  is  well. 

When  it  is  given  it  should  be  diluted  one-third 
with  liniewater  or  one-half  with  viehy  or  any  eifer- 
vcsciiig  mineral  water,  prepared  with  diluted  hy- 
drochloric acid,  or  peptonized.  If  hot  milk  is  liked 
it  may  be  taken  with  advantage,  but  not  more  than 
one  i>;lass  a  day  unless  diluted  with  water. 


PEPTONIZED   MILK 

Got  from  the  druggist  a  few  powders  each  con- 
.  taininir  five  grains  of  extract  of  pancreas  and  fifteen 
grains  of  bi-carbonate  of  soda.     Add  one  to  a  pint 
i)f  milk  and  place  the  vessel  containing  it  in   water 

of  11")'^  Fahrenheit,  or  so  hot  the  hand  can  be  held 
in  it  only  for  a  moment.     Let  tiie  milk  stay  there 
1^  {(ir  twenty  minutes,  then  place  it  on  ice,  cr  pour  it 
p  into  a  clean  sauce  pan  and  let  it  come  to  the  boil  to 


88 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


check  the  digestive  process  begun  in  it.     If  this  is 
carried  too  far  a  bitter  taste  is  (leveh)ped. 


f 


DIGESTIBLE   MILK 

Warm  one  pint  of  milk  very  sh'ghtly,  drop  into 
it  thirty  drops  of  dihite  hydrochh)ric  acid,  stir  it 
constantly  until  it  cools.  This  takes  off  tho  fiat 
taste  of  the  milk  and  also  renders  it  more  digestible. 

RENNET   CURD 

Sometimes  this  is  retained  when  milk  itself  is  re- 
jected. To  one  pint  of  very  slightly  warmed  milk 
add  one  dessertspoonful  of  liquid  rennet  and  set  it 
aside  to  cool.  If  it  is  desired  to  give  the  whey  alone. 
break  the  curd  after  it  forms  and  strain  off  the 
whev. 

Milk  diluted  one-half  with  boilino;  water  mav  he 
acceptable. 

BEEF   TEA 

Although  the  nutritive  value  of  beef  tea,  meat 
juice  and  animal  broth  is  not  as  great  as  milk,  it 
can  sometimes  be  retained  when  the  latter  caiinut, 
aiid  we  are  obliged  to  depend  upon  them  for  a  time. 

Beef  tea  should  not  be  boiled,  as  that  ]n'oce« 
coagulates  the  albumen  contained  in  the  meat  just 
as  heat  does  the  white  of  an  q^i^. 

Chop  one  pound  of  juicy  beef  from  the  top  ofilit? 


1 1 


If$li 


hei:f  juice — chicken    iujoth 


80 


rKiiiid  very  fine,  or  niiiiee  it  in  a  meat  eliopper. 
Cover  it  with  one  pint  of  cold  water  and  l(»t  it  stand 
i'or  two  hours,  stirrin*^  it  frequently.  Put  this  over 
the  lii-e  and  let  it  remain  until  it  steams,  hut  do  not 
let  it  hoil.  After  straininii:  it  ean  he  seasoned  with 
a  little  salt,  or  celery  salt  if  hked. 


BEEF    JUICE 

Have  a  pound  of  heef  from  the  top  of  the  round 
cut  ahout  an  inch  thick.  Divide  this  in  strips  and 
hold  them  for  a  moment  on  a  i>jridiron  over  a  slow 
fire  to  draw  the  ^  aice  to  the  surface.  Stiueeze  the 
strips  in  a  lemon  squeezer,  or  vegetahle  press.  Small 
meat  presses,  costing  about  two  dollars  and  a  half, 
are  sold  for  the  purpose  and  they  greatly  facilitate 
the  operation.  A  little  salt  may  be  added.  If  dis- 
liked raw,  the  beef  juice  niay  be  heated  by  standing 
the  cup  containing  the  portion  to  be  taken  in  boiling 
water. 

CHICKEN    BROTH 

Some  persons  can  take  this  who  dislike  the  taste 
of  heef  tea.  Cut  a  fowl  into  neat  pieces.  Have 
the  hones  broken  and  cover  the  whoh'  with  cold 
water.  Boil  slowly  for  three  hours,  strain,  add  a 
little  salt,  and  when  cold  skim  if  nccessarv.  A  me- 
(liuni-sized  fowl  should  make  about  a  pint  and  a 
half  of  broth.     The  meat  is  verv  irood  creamed. 


90 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


OATMEAL  GRUEL 

Gruel  made  with  water  and  given  hot  is  sonic- 
times  relislied  when  milk  cannot  be  borne.  Allow 
one  tablespoon  fill  of  oatmeal  to  a  pint  of  cold  water 
and  boil  for  one  hour.  Season  with  salt.  If  it 
proves  too  tiiick  it  can  be  reduced  to  the  desired  con- 
sistency with  boiling  water. 

OYSTER    BROTH 

Cut  a  teacupful  of  oysters  into  small  pieces,  cover 
them  with  cold  water  and  let  them  simmer  gentlv 
for  ten  minutes.  Add  a  little  salt,  strain  them  and 
skim  if  necessary. 

GUM    ARABIC  WATER 

This  is  very  bland  and  soothing  and  a  spoonful 
at  a  time  may  be  retained  after  prolonged  naus(  a. 
Dissolve  half  an  ounce  of  gum  arabic  in  half  a  pint 
of  boiling  water;  it  has  to  stand  for  a  little  while. 
Flavor  with  lemon  juice  and  a  very  little  sugar,  if 
this  is  asked  for.     Give  ice  cold. 

ALBUMINIZED    WATER 

This  must  be  the  chief  reliance  in  extreme  nausea 
when  the  stomacsh  persistently  rejects  food.  Put  the 
white  of  an  egg  in  a  self-sealing  glass  jar  with  halt' 
a  pint  of  very  cold  water.     Shake  until   they  arc 


KOUMISS 


91 


a. 


'a 


tlioroutjjlily  ama]<j:arnatc(l.  Salt,  loinon  Juice,  or 
siicar  mav  be  added,  but  in  a  severe  ease  it  is  best 
to  i::ive  only  the  albiitninized  water  ice  cold. 

KOUMISS 

This  is  especially  valuable  when  ordinary  milk 
cannot  be  digested,  and  persons  have  lived  upon  it 
exclusively  for  many  days.  The  original  koumiss 
was  made  in  the  East  from  fermented  mares'  milk, 
hut  the  homemade  seems  to  answer  every  purpose 
and  is  often  much  liked.  It  can  be  procured  from 
s(Mne  druggists,  but  is  much  more  cheaply  made  at 
lutmo. 

Dissolve  the  third  of  an  yeast  cake  in  a  little 
warm  water,  or  take  the  third  of  a  cupful  of  liquid 
yoast.  Stir  it  into  one  quart  of  milk  as  warm  as 
when  it  comes  from  the  cow.  Add  one  tablespoon- 
I'lil  of  sugar  and  fill  bottles  three-quarters  full  of  the 
mixture.  Stand  them  in  a  warm  place,  about  68° 
Fahrenheit,  to  rise  like  bread.  At  the  end  of  twelve 
hours  cork  the  bottles  ti(>;htlv,  tie  down  the  corks 
with  string,  unless  the  bottles  have  patent  fastenings, 
and  lay  them  on  the  side  in  ice,  or  in  a  cool  place,  to 
stop  the  fermentation.  Uncork  very  carefully  as  it 
is  apt  to  fly. 


# 


A^ 


^'^       ""'^^■ 


.O^  '^^^ 


^ 
^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


/ 


O 


1.0 


I.I 


m  1^ 

n;   HUM 


m 

m 


M 

Z2 

1.8 


1.25      1.4 

1.6 

M 6"    — 

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


\ 


« 


<F 


:\ 


\ 


^v 


^-^' 


;\ 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


.*. 


is 


&< 


<^ 


..# 


O'^ 


d 


■sw 


92 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


EFFECT   OF    FOOD 

Diet  is  a  matter  of  groat  importance  to  the  ex- 
jKictaiit  mother.  It  is  very  desirable  that  she  sliould 
be  in  good  condition,  with  a  store  of  reserve  strength, 
wlien  her  time  of  trial  comes.  This  she  cannot  have 
if  for  many  months  her  digestion  has  been  out  of 
order,  her  food  not  properly  assimilated,  and  her 
tissues  are  debilitated  for  want  of  nourishment. 

Much  can  be  done  by  a  well  chosen  diet  to  relieve 
the  constipation  which  is  almost  always  one  of  the 
accompaniments  of  this  condition. 

The  effect  of  semi-starvation  upon  the  child  is 
most  painful.  It  cannot  be  plinn])  and  well  nour- 
ished if  the  mother  has  been  unable  to  take  sufficient 
food  to  supply  the  demands  of  her  own  system,  nuich 
less  to  have  a  surplus  for  the  growing  frame  that 
needs  such  a  variety  of  constituents  to  brin^j  it  to 
perfection.  These  considerations  should  make  her 
regard  her  food  as  of  supreme  importance,  to  be  at- 
tended to  as  a  matter  of  duty  both  to  herself  and 
her  child. 

LONGINGS 

It  was  once  thought  that  longings  for  a  special 
article  of  food,  if  not  gratified  immediately,  would 
surely  be  attended  with  evil  consequences  to  the  child. 
Thev  are  only  indications  that  the  system  is  clamor- 
ing  for  some  material  that  the  coveted  food  is  rich 


LONGINGS 


93 


in.  If  it  can  be  obtained  at  reasonable  trouble  and 
expense  it  is  as  well  to  get  it,  or  something  as  nearly 
like  it  as  can  be  procured.  If  this  is  not  possible 
no  alarm  need  be  felt;  if  the  mind  is  resolutely 
tinned  away  from  it,  no  harm  will  follow. 

When  the  diet  is  hygienic  and  regulated  by  com- 
mon sense,  these  longings  are  seldom  ielt.  Very 
often  they  are  for  fresh  vegetables,  or  some  kind  of 
fruit,  and  when  these  are  eaten  in  abundance  they 
are  less  likely  to  occur. 

Sometimes,  however,  they  are  for  slate  pencils, 
chalk,  vinegar  or  pickles.  When  this  is  the  case  the 
doctor  should  be  consulted,  as  some  form  of  iron,  or 
dilute  acid,  is  probably  required. 

Unselfish  women  are  too  apt  to  think  that  their 
special  likes  and  dislikes  are  matters  of  very  little 
importance  and  to  put  them  aside  as  too  trivial  to  l)e 
attended  to.  They  think  it  of  small  moment 
w  liether  they  eat  a  sufficient  (piantity  of  food,  or  not. 
If  every  other  member  of  the  household  is  satisfied, 
their  waning  appetite  is  of  no  consecpience. 

They  imagine  the  unpleasant  feelings  of  nausea 
and  indigestion  are  incident  to  their  condition  and 
so  patiently  go  without  food  because  their  disincli- 
nation for  it  is  so  great  they  cannot  take  it. 

Such  must  remember  that  there  is  another  life 
depending  upon  them  and   make  the  ellbrt  for  it 


94 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


iliey  would  not  take  the  trouble  to  for  themselves 
alone. 

Eating  is  a  means,  not  an  end,  and  never  more  so 
than  during  this  time  of  waiting,  which  is  also  a 
time  of  preparation  and  development. 


CHAPTER  VI 


BATHS 


CARE  OF   THE    BODY 

The  early  Greeks,  who  had  strong  and  beautiful 
bodies,  were  particularly  careful  and  punctilious  in 
their  care  of  them.  They  were  bathed,  rubbed,  and 
oiled,  in  fact  groomed  with  a  care  that  is  now  some- 
times exercised  with  valuable  horses,  but  very  sel- 
(loni  with  the  human  form  divine. 

The  expectant  mother  should  strengthen  her  body 
l)y  every  means  in  her  power.  It  has  a  special  and 
most  important  task  to  perform  and  it  is  a  part  of 
her  duty  to  fit  it  for  its  work. 


CAUTION    IN   BATHING 

Delicate  women  can  easily  bathe  too  much  and  do 
themselves  more  harm  than  good,  exhausting  their 
nervous  vitality  and  weakening  instead  of  strengthen- 
ing their  muscles. 

A  bath  that  has  done  good  is  followed  by  a  sense 

(95) 


jsmf 


96 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


of  exhilaration  and  refreshment.  The  skin  is  warm 
and  tingling,  the  blood  seems  to  flow  more  rapid Iv 
and  one  feels  stronger  and  brighter.  When,  instead 
of  this,  there  is  ehilliness  and  fatigue,  a  feeling  of 
languor  and  depre.^sion  instead  of  buoyancy,  the 
form  of  bathing  that  has  caused  it  should  be  dis- 
continued. Hot  baths,  rci)eated  too  often,  have 
a  tendency  to  bring  on  a  miscarriage. 

FRICTION 

A  full  bath  each  day,  especially  if  it  is  a  plunge 
bath,  is  too  much  for  some  persons.  Such  will  find 
great  comfort  in  thorough  friction,  rubbing  the  body 
briskly  from  head  to  foot  with  a  hair  mitten,  or  one 
made  of  coarse  Turkish  toweling.  This  helps  to 
open  the  pores  of  the  skin,  removing  from  the  sur- 
face the  impurities  brought  to  it  with  the  perspi- 
ration, as  well  as  particles  of  dried  skin,  which  is 
constantly  being  renewed,  rolling  up  and  coming  oil". 
Dry  friction  brings  the  blood  to  the  surface  and  ben- 
efits the  skin,  stinnilating  the  sweat  glands  and 
oil  inlands  to  do  their  duty. 

A  bath  should  never  be  taken  immediately  after  a 
meal.  The  blood  is  drawn  to  the  digestive  organs  to 
assist  the  processes  taking  place  there  and  cannot  be 
diverted  to  the  surface  witliout  danger.  At  least  two 
hours  should  elapse  between  a  full  meal  and  a  bath. 


riX'NGK  HATH — SP<)N(;i-:  HATH — COLD  BATHS  U" 

.\r:uiv  persons  who  camiot  hear  a  full  hath  every 
(lav,  liinl  no  inconvenienee  if  thev  bathe  one-half  the 
htnlv  one  day  anJ  tlie  other  the  next. 

PLUNGE    BATH 

Goitingj  into  a  bath  full  of  water  should  be  done 
slowlv  and  ir<?iitlv,  so  that  tiiere  may  be  no  violent 
shock.  If  the  water  is  eold  the  faee  and  neek 
siioiild  be  wetted  first.  While  in  the  bath  the  body 
should  be  rubV)ed  with  a  cloth,  or  the  hand,  and  the 
stay  should  be  short.  Only  those  who  have  been 
previously  accustomed  to  it  should  take  a  cold 
phuii^e  bath.  If  the  water  is  warm  the  bath  is  en- 
ervating if 'prolonged  beyond  a  few  minutes.  Either 
n  hot  or  cold  bath  should  be  followed  by  quick 
nibbing  of  the  whole  surface. 


SPONGE   BATH 

A  cold,  or  very  cool,  sponge  bath,  taken  at  short 
intervals,  is  one  of  the  best  preventives  of  taking 
cold  that  can  be  adopted.  If  the  skin  is  in  a  state 
of  activity  and  toughened  by  cold  and  friction,  it  is  not 
susceptible  to  every  change  of  the  atmosphere  and 
colds  are  rare. 

COLD   BATHS 

The  perr>on  unfamiliar  with  cold  sponge  baths  and 
wishing  to  try  them  can  come  to  them  by  degrees  by 


■?5" 


98 


PRKPAHATION    FOR   MOTIIKUIIOOD 


bcj^inning  with  tepid  water  and  using  it  a  little  colder 
each  dav.  It  is  well  to  stand  in  a  small  tub  with 
the  feet  covered  with  warm  water  at  first.  If  tiie 
haih  and  rubbing  are  not  ibllowed  by  swift  react  ion, 
a  glow  and  feeling  of  warmth,  the  use  of  the  coKl 
water  should  be  discontinued. 

A  handful  of  coarse  salt  may  be  added  to  tlic 
water,  as  this  has  a  stimulating  effect  on  the  skin  and 
so  is  said  to  be  strengthening.  This  should  be  tri( d 
when  baths  seem  to  disagree  with  the  bather  instead 
of  benefiting  her,  before  discontinuing  them  alto- 
gether. 

A  cold  bath  should  never  be  taken  when  one  is 
heated,  or  very  tired.  For  the  latter  reason  the 
morning  is  a  better  time  for  it  than  the  evening. 


WARM    BATH 

The  surface  of  the  skin  is  covered  by  the  termina- 
tions of  innumerable  nerves.  It  is  impossible  in 
stick  the  point  of  a  pin  where  a  tingle  of  pain  will 
not  reveal  the  i)resence  of  a  nerve. 

AA'hen  tired  and  overstrung  at  night  a  warm  bath 
will  sometimes  relax  the  skin  and  bring  a  sense  of 
soothing  calm  that  may  induce  sleep.  From  the 
fact  that  they  are  relaxing,  warm  baths  should  be 
used  with  caution.  The  tepid  sponge  bath  is  the 
safest  for  constant  use. 


SITZ    BATH 


99 


SITZ    B.VTII 

Many  physicians  consider  this  form  of  batli  of  es- 
pecial vahie  to  tlie  expectant  mother.  The  abdomen 
and  adjacent  parts  are  principally  jdlected  by  it  and 
tlioiiirht  to  be  particularly  benelited.  The  water 
.■.jionid  be  about  90  deo;rees  Fahrenlieit.  A  tin  tub 
(»f  a  peculiar  shape,  hi<^h  behind  and  sloping  low  in 
i'n)nt,  is  the  most  convenient  thing  to  take  it  in  ;  it 
comes  for  the  purpose  and  is  called  a  ^itz  bath.  If 
this  cannot  be  had,  any  tub  large  enough  to  sit  in  can 
he  made  to  answer  the  purpose. 

The  best  time  to  take  the  bath  is  before  going  to 
bed,  when  it  need  not  interfere  with  the  morning 
sjionge  bath. 

lv(^move  the  clothing  and  fasten  a  blanket  round 
the  shoulders  so  that  it  will  fall  over  the  tub  when 
the  person  is  seated  in  it.  Have  as  much  water  in  the 
tub  as  it  will  hold  without  overflowin"-  when  the 
bather  sits  down  in  it.  The  bath  should  last  about 
fifteen  minutes  and  a  little  hot  water  be  added  if  it 
grows  uncomfortably  cold. 

Do  not  be  deterred  by  the  trouble  from  taking  it, 
l)ou:in  its  use  earlvand  continue  itthrouirh  the  whole 
])ori()d.  It  is  said  to  assist  in  relieving  nausea  and 
lonstipation.  When  several  means  are  tried  for  the 
same  end  it  is  always  difficult  to  apportion  the  credit 


100 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


justly  and  to  say  cxa(;tly  which  has  liad  the  largest 
share  in  l)rin<j:in<r  aSout  th(^  result. 

If  a  woman  oIk'vs  the  laws  of  health  durinu:  this 
time,  it  mav  be  safelv  said  that  her  confinement  will 
be  more  easy  than  if  she  had  disregarded  them,  be- 
cause she  will  come  to  it  in  better  condition. 


FOOT   HATHS 

A  warm  foot  bath  just  before  going  to  bed  will 
sometimes  dispose  to  sleep  by  drawing  the  blood  to 
the  extremities.  The  feet  should  be  immersed  in  a 
deep  tub,  or  j)ail,  the  water  reaching  halfway  to  the 
knees.  When  more  stinudation  is  needed,  as  when 
th'ere  is  a  coKl  coming  on,  two  tablespoon fu Is  of 
mustard  can  be  added. 


COLD    FOOT   BATH 

When  there  is  suffering  from  cold  feet,  as  is  often 
the  case  when  the  circulation  is  not  good,  they  should 
be  bathed  at  night  in  cold  water.  Hold  one  foot 
over  the  basin  and  squeeze  the  water  over  it  from  a 
cloth  until  it  is  thoroujjhlv  wetted.  Rub  vifi^orouslv 
with  a  dry  towel  and  repeat  the  process  with  tln^ 
other  foot.  If  persisted  in  for  a  week  or  two,  eat  h 
night,  a  cure  may  be  effected. 


P'OOT   Oli   SP()N(iP:    HATH    IX    liKD 


lul 


FOOT    BATH    IN    HHl) 

This  can  bo  <ji;iv(Mi  without  dillicuhv  if  nooossarv. 
A  warm  foot  bath  will  soTJictinu's  allay  nervous  v\- 
citcnuMit  and  irritation  and  aid  in  l)ringin<^  sleep 
which  would  not  corao  without  it. 

Provide  a  yard  square  of  India-rubber  (iloth,  or 
table  oil  cloth,  to  protect  the  bed.  Turn  back  the 
clothes  from  the  foot  of  the  bed,  spread  the  rubber 
over  the  sheet  and  place  the  tub  on  it.  The  j)atient 
lies  on  her  back  with  the  legs  drawn  up  and  the 
kiK^es  bent.  Stand  the  tub  in  a  convenient  position 
aiul  j)ut  the  feet  in,  th(j  knees  being  still  bent.  . 
Cover  tub  and  all  with  a  blanket. 


SPONGK    BATH    IX    BED 

For  the  first  three  days  after  confinement  a  full 
bathing  is  not  required  if  the  mother  had  been 
hathed  just  before  it  took  place.  She  should  re.-t 
and  be  disturbed  as  little  as  possible  except  for  the 
al)-ohitely  necessary  ministrations. 

The  parts  needing  it  can  be  kept  delicately  clean 
hy  wiping  them  with  a  cloth  wrung  out  of  warm 
water  each  time  the  napkin  is  changed,  or  water  is 
passed. 

Mauds  and  face  of  course  may  be  washed  morning 
and  evening. 

While  cleanliness  is  all  important  ia  the  lying-in 


102 


lM{i:i'Ai:ATl(>N    FOU    MOTllEHllOOD 


I 


room,  more  important  tluiii  any  one  other  siiiixlc 
tliinu::,  Imtliiiiuj  must  not  bo  oveidone.  Should  it 
l)e  t'ouiul,  us  is  unfortunately  sometimes  the  ciim', 
that  the  pei'son  has  been  neglected,  the  soil  must  lir 
removed,  as  dirt  is  a  distinct  st)uree  of  daniri  r. 
This  can  bt;  done  by  bathing  a  part  of  the  body  at 
one  time  and  continuing  the  process  at  intervals 
until  the  whole  is  done. 

Usually  the  fourth  day  is  soon  enough  for  the  first 
full  bath.  A  tablespounful  of  alcohol  in  the  water 
is  desirable. 

Have  ready  water,  towels,  wash  cloth,  soap  and 
clean,  warmed  clothing  by  the  bedside.  Two  extra 
blankets  are  needed.  The  room  should  be  warm, 
the  thermometer  not  lower  than  72°  Fahrenheit. 

Double  one  blanket  and  spread  it  on  one  side  of 
the  bed  over  the  under  sheet.  Under  shelter  of  the 
bed  clothes  di*aw  the  patient  on  it,  not  permitting  her 
to  sit  up.  Double  the  other  '  hiuket  and  lay  it  over 
her,  outside  the  uj)per  bed  clothes.  Draw  thc-e 
awav  from  underneath  it,  leavino;  her  covered  witli 
it  alone.  If  this  seems  too  little  add  a  down  com- 
forter, or  a  thick  shawl,  or  woolen  lap  rug.  Remove 
her  night  dress,  being  very  careful  not  to  uncover 
her  while  doing  it.  Uufasten  and  take  off  the 
binder.  Holding  the  wash  cloth,  moist  but  not 
dripping,  in  one  hand,  pass  it  under  the  blanket  and 


.1 1 


THK    liABY  S    FIRST    HATH 


10;  J 


liatlic  tli((  upper  half  of  tlio  body.  Dry  with  a 
\v;iiiiu'<l  towel,  kept  iiiidei'  tlie  blanket iiiul  not  wlth- 
(Iniuii,  unless  to  substitute  a  fresli  one,  until  the 
i):iili  is  (lone.  Turn  the  person  gently  on  one  side 
Mini  hatlu?  the  back  ;  when  this  is  (b*v,  do  the  thiLr;hs 
aixl  le^s,  and  last  the  feet.  Not  inoi'e  than  ten 
minutes  need  b(^  spent  in  the  actual  washinu;;,  each 
])art  beintz;  dried  betbre  another  is  wetted.  (^ui''k 
(lr\  in*:  and  no  exposure  is  the  secret  of  ujivinL""  a 
sjxmge  bath  in  bed,  without  at  the  sa..ie  time  j^iving 
cold. 

^^ut  on  a  fresh  binder  and  tiie  clean,  warm  cloth- 
ins::,  which  after  being  well  heated  by  a  fire  should 
he  folded  in  a  blanket  to  keep  it  warm.  jNlove  the 
patient  to  the  other  side  of  the  bed,  replace  the 
upper  clothes,  draw  out  the  blankets  and  the  opera- 
tion is  finislied. 


i''c 


THE    BARYS    FIRST    BATH 

Sofnetimes  the  condition  of  the  mother  who  ab- 
sorbs the  attention  of  the  nurse,  or  the  premature 
arrival  of  the  babv  causes  its  first  bath  to  be  left  to 
inexperienced  hands. 

Contrary  to  the  usual  habit  the  first  washing 
should  be  a  sponge  bath  given  between  the  folds  of 
a  blanket.  A  new-born  baby  has  been  accustomed 
to  an  even  temperature  of  about  98  degrees.     Eveu 


"Pi 


104 


PRE    ARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


if  it  is  plunged  into  a  tub  of  water  of  the  same  Inat 
there  is  a  certain  amount  of  exposure  inseparah!*' 
from  putting  it  in  and  taking  it  out  which  may  !h" 
responsible  for  the  bronchial  diseases  that  afflict  and 
sometimes  carry  off  little  babies. 

A  soft  knit  blanket  should  be  provided  for  the 
bath,  a  little  sweet  oil,  fresh  lard,  unsalted  butter,  or 
any  substance  of  an  oily  nature,  a  soft  towel  aiid 
wash  rag  and  a  piece  of  a  fine  old  handkerchief. 
The  water  should  be  100  degrees  to  begin  with,  as 
it  very  soon  cools.  If  inexperience  is  likely  to  pro- 
long the  bath  there  should  be  a  pitcher  of  hot  water 
to  replenish  the  basin. 

With  a  piece  of  the  handkerchief  wash  the  eyes 
carefully  and  dry  them  with  the  remainder.  Takiiii,^ 
a  little  of  the  oil,  or  fat  on  two  fingers  pass  the  haii'l 
under  the  blanket  and  rub  the  whole  body  witli  it, 
putting  plenty  in  the  creases  about  the  neck,  arms 
and  thighs.  Some  babies  are  covered  with  a  seba- 
ceous substance  that  will  not  come  off  with  water 
alone.  Others  are  comparatively  free  from  it,  but 
the  oilinsr  does  no  harm. 

Squeeze  the  cloth  comparatively  dry  and  put  on  a 
little  good  white  soap.  Bathe  quickly  all  that  can 
be  reached  as  the  child  lies  on  its  back,  and  dry  with 
soft  pats  of  the  towel.     The  skin  is  too  delicate  to 


LOCAL    BATHS 


105 


bear  rubbing.  Be  careful  that  the  head  is  supported 
and  does  not  hang  down  over  the  knee. 

Turn  the  baby  over  on  its  face,  supporting  the 
head  with  one  hand  and  j)utting  the  other  firmly 
under  the  body.  It  can  be  rolled  over  by  taking 
lidll  of  the  outer  side  of  the  blanket  and  rolling  it 
inwards.  Many  persons  prefer  this  method  of 
moving  a  baby  and  it  assures  the  nervous  that  there 
i>  no  danger  of  dropping  it.  Finish  the  bath  as 
quiekly  as  possible. 

Have  the  sleeves  of  the  little  shirt  and  slips  fitted 
lotrether  so  that  they  will  go  on  as  one  garment,  and 
after  adjusting  the  band  tliey  can  be  drawn  over  the 
feet  first  and  the  arms  put  in  without  difficulty. 
W  rap  the  baby  warmly  and  lay  it  down  to  sleep. 


LOCAL    BATHS 

The  slightest  disagreeable  odor  about  mother  or 
rliild  .siiows  that  there  is  a  lack  of  cleanliness  which 
t)iii;ht  to  be  immediately  remedied,  or  the  most  dis- 
astrous consequences  may  follow. 

As  has  already  been  said,  there  is  no  difiiculty  in 
keeping  the  mother  clean  nor  need  a  quantity  of 
water  be  used  to  do  so.  A  few  gentle  strokes  with 
a  soft  cloth  w/ung  out  of  warm  water  will  remove 
every  trace  of  soil  each  time  the  napkin  is  changed. 

If  stitches  have  been  taken  with  wire,  a  sponge  is 


■5SP 


lOG 


TJiEPAUATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


less  likely  than  a  cloth  to  catch  in  them.  Tho 
greatest  care  must  be  taken  of  sponge  and  cloth,  or 
they  will  become  sonrccs  of  infection.  They  must 
be  thoroughly  washed  after  each  time  of  using,  hunu: 
outside  the  window  in  the  open  air  and  boiled  oinv 
a  day.  A  pinch  of  washing  soda  in  the  boiliiii:; 
water  will  prevent  the  sponge  from  becoming  slim  v. 

This  seems  a  small  matter,  but  neglect  may  im- 
peril, if  not  destroy  life. 

The  nipples  should  be  bathed  with  tepid  water,  in 
which  a  pinch  of  borax  has  been  dissolved,  each 
time  the  baby  finishes  nursing.  They  should  he 
gently  drawn  out  with  the  fingers  that  the  water 
may  penetrate  every  crevice.  If  any  application  is 
used  it  must  be  washed  off  before  the  babv  nurses 
and  re-applied  after  the  final  washing.  This  is  one 
of  the  surest  means  of  preventing  sore  nipples. 

EYE   BATHS 

The  first  attention  to  be  paid  the  new-born  infant 
is  to  wipe  its  eyes  with  a  soft  piece  of  handkerchief. 
If  this  is  neglected,  a  speck  of  mucus  lodging  on 
the  delicate  lining  membrane  of  the  lids  might  cause 
serious  harm. 

The  eyes  should  be  carefully  watched,  and  if  there 
is  the  slightest  trace  of  discharge  on  eyelids,  or 
lashes,  they  should  be  washed  several  times  a  day 


EYE    BATHS 


107 


with  tepid  boiled  water  until  tlie  doctor  can  be  con- 
sulted. 

Unless  the  secretion  is  frequcMitly  removed  by 
l);itliin<^  the  lids  the  child's  sight  nuiy  be  injured,  or 
l(.st.  Tlie  cloth  used  in  the  process  should  be  burned 
and  only  small  ])ieces  of  old  cloth  employed,  as  a 
liny  particle  of  the  discharge  might  infect  the  eyes 
I »f' mother  or  nurse. 

When  tlie  doctor  orders  cold  applications  little 
s<jiiares  of  linen  may  be  laid  on  a  lump  of  ice,  ap- 
plied to  the  eyes  as  needed  and  burned  after  one  ap- 
plication. 


i 

i 

i 
1 

1 

/ 
! 

i 

1 

1 

I 

CHAPTER  VII 


EXERCISE 


THE   MUSCLES 


The  rausclos  that  have  to  take  part  in  the  act  of 
expelling  the  child  from  the  uterns  mnst  be  trained 
and  brondit  into  a  condition  to  do  their  work. 
^Inscles  that  are  not  exercised  become  soft  and  flabby ; 
they  are  not  capable  of  prolonged  and  vigorous 
effort. 

The  reason  that  exercise  tires  so  many  women  is 
that  they  are  not  accustomed  to  take  it  systematically. 
A  certain  set  of  muscles  called  upon  suddenly  to 
undergo  the  strain  of  unwonted  use  resent  it  and 
feel  sore  and  tired.  If  thev  were  exercised  dailv  in 
the  same  way  they  would  not  grumble  any  nioic 
than  our  fingers  do  when  we  call  upon  them  lor 
their  usual  duties. 

It  is  all  important  to  the  expectant  mother  tliiit 
every  muscle  should  be  in  good  order  able  to  per- 
form its  proper  work  with  ease. 
(108) 


WALKING 


109 


If  she  were  told  tliat  by  spending  fifteen  minutes 
a  (lav  in  some  simple  observance,  she  could  greatly 
l('ss(Mi  the  fatigue  of  her  labor  and  minimize  its  pain 
would  she  not  gladly  do  so  ?  Judicious  exercise  will 
surelv  do  this.  It  must  be  steadily  persisted  in,  as 
it  is  the  daily  repetition  of  the  same  act  that  strength- 
ens and  develops  any  part  of  the  body. 

Women  suffering  from  some  forms  of  uterine  dis- 
placement are  unable  to  walk.  Such  should  be 
under  the  care  of  a  physician,  and  exercise,  as  well  as 
other  means  of  alleviation   must  be  prescribed    by 

him. 

WALKINU 

Unless  this  is  the  case,  or  there  is  some  special 
reason  to  the  contrary,  walking  is  a  valuable  exer- 
cise and  within  the  reach  of  all.  It  may  be  so  done 
as  to  render  it  perfectly  useless  for  j)ractical  pur- 
|M)ses  and  it  may  be  so  used  as  to  make  it  an  efficient 
aid  in  the  d(^velopment  that  is  needed. 

^^()st  women  in  moderate  circumstances  take  a 
lii'eat  deal  of  exercise  in  doing  the  work  of  their 
households.  Unless  it  is  too  heavy,  as  washing, 
scrubbing,  etc.,  overtaxing  the  strength,  it  is  bene- 
ticial,  calling  many  muscles  into  play  unconsciously 
to  the  owner. 

Those  who  do  not  take  muc^h  exercise  in  the  house 
should  spend  from  half  an  hour  to  an  hour  a  day  in 


no 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


:m 


walking  in  the  open  air.     Tiiis  walk  should  not  be 
an  aimless  saunter  but  a  brisk  constitutional,  taken 


itl 


bieet 


Willi  an  ob]eei  m  view 


A 


correct     jxisition    is    very    important. 


Th 


shoulders  should  be  held  back,  thus  exjianding  the 
chest  and  giving  the  lungs  free  play,  the  arms  eaniid 
easily  at  the  sides,  the  lower  part  of  the  body  thrown 
a  little  forward  and  tlie  weight  allowed  to  fall  on 
the  ball  of  the  foot  as  it  touches  the  ground.  Tliis 
carriage  can  be  acquired  by  a  little  practice  and  it  is 
well  worth  the  trouble,  as  it  diminishes  the  fatigue 
which  is  always  complained  of  by  those  who  are  un- 
accustomed to  walk  properly. 

Vigorous  steps  in  which  tiie  foot  is  lifted  well 
from  the  ground  and  firmly  set  down  again,  though 
without  jarring  the  l^ody,  strengthen  the  muscles  at 
the  sides  of  the  waist. 


STAIRS 

Going  up  and  down  stairs,  usually  considered  an 
exertion  peculiarly  injurious  to  women,  may  hv 
made  to  serve  the  same  purpose,  developing  these 
muscles.  Tlie  dress  must  be  ]>erfectly  loose  and  easv, 
with  no  constraining  bands^  or  pressure  anywluir. 
particularly  about  the  waist.  The  })rogress  shouKl 
not  be  too  ra])id,  nor  the  journey  repeated  too  ofleii 
at  first. 


.,  BREATHINCJ 


111 


Tliis  exercise  also  benefits  the  muscles  of  the  ah- 
(Imnen,  which  it  is  desirable  to  have  in  good  condi- 
tion. ])lakie,  in  his  adiniral)le  little  book  ''How 
to  (ict  Strong,"  says,  "  P^very  stej)  forward  moves 
ili(  111.  and  the  higher  and  more  energetic  the  step  the 
iimrc  they  have  to  do."  "  The  strong,  high  step  tilts 
the  body  slightly  back  and  gives  these  muscles  so 
niiK'h  to  do  that  they  soon  grow  good  at  it  and 
shapely  and  powerful  accordingly." 

In  going  up  and  down  stairs  we  have  "the 
strong,  high  step"  in  perfection. 

A  healthy  man  never  com|>lains  of  any  inconven- 
ience in  climbing  stairs;  in  tact  he  more  often  than 
not,  runs  up  two  steps  at  a  time.  While  men  are 
sti'uno;er  than  we  are,  there  is  no  reason  whv  a 
woman  who  is  properly  dressed  should  not  l)e  able 
to  mount  stairs  with  as  much  ease  as  he  can.  I  can 
tl'^tity  from  personal  experience  that  the  absence  of 
corsets  and  correct  habits  of  breathing  deprive  the 
ascent  of  all  its  terrors. 

In  going  up  and  down  stairs  keep  the  mouth 
closed  to  ensure  breathing  through  the  nose,  hold 
the  shoulders  back  to  expand  the  chest  and  do  not 
carry  a  heavy  weight  in  the  hands. 


BREATHING 

It  is  strange  that  when  the  whole  ha  man  race  has 


112 


TRRPARATIOX  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


to  brcallio  to  livo,  and  that  every  member  oi"  It 
hrcatiics  at  least  sixteen  times  in  a  miiuite  iVom 
the  moment  of  birth  to  that  of  death,  any  one  should 
have  to  be  tanght  how  to  perform  this  neees-aiv 
})roeess  properly. 

Nature  intends  that  the  abdominal  muscles  shall 
take  part  in  the  aet  of  respiration.  This  is  im|)(i->i- 
ble  when  the  waist  is  held  firmlv  in  the  unvieldiiiir 
grasp  of  a  corset.  Even  when  it  is  not  worn  too  tiulit 
— and  who  ever  admitted  that  hers  was — proper  ex- 
pansion of  the  ribs  is  prevented  and  the  breath  must 
come  from  the  upper  ])art  of  the  chest. 

Watch  the  breathing  of  a  woman  who  w(ars 
unduly  tight  clothing,  whether  she  is  encased  in  a 
corset,  or  not.  The  bosom  rises  and  falls  with  each 
breath  ;  the  muscles  below  the  waist  line  do  not 
move,  they  cannot.  The  lower  part  of  the  lungs  is 
never  properly  filled,  nor  emptied. 

The  expectant  mother  does  not  breathe  for  herself 
alone.  She  has  to  inhale  a  sufficient  amount  of 
oxyg(»n  to  purify  the  blood  of  her  child  as  well  as 
her  own,  and  she  needs  every  inch  of  lung  surface  at 
her  conunand  to  make  adequate  provision  for  both. 

If  she  does  not  alreadv  do  so  it  is  her  dutv  to 
learn  how  to  use  her  lungs  in  the  most  effective 
manner. 

It    is   difficult   to  overcome   bad    habits.     Even 


mm 


BREATH I NO 


113 


laving  aside  corsets  and  doing  away  with  tight  bands 
about  the  waist  will  not  iminodiatolv  revohitionizc 
the  faulty  method  of  years.  Tiie  muscles  are  weak 
from  inaction.  The  kings  must  be  trained  to  do 
their  duty. 

Sitting  in  an  easy  position  in  a  comfortable 
chair,  with  the  head  supported,  draw  a  long  breath 
and  hold  it  until  the  expiration  becomes  a  necessity. 
Exhale  slowly  and  repeat  the  process  seven  or  eight 
times. 

Close  the  month  and  inhale  through  the  nose,  ex- 
{K'lling  the  air  by  the  same  channel.  This  can  be 
(lone  alternately  as  rapidly  and  as  slowly  as  possible. 
Repeat  it  in  different  positions,  reclining  in  the  chair, 
sitting  erect  with  the  arms  folded  behind  the  back, 
standing  with  the  arms  extended  to  their  full  length 
and  the  hands  clasped  behind. 

Sitting  upright,  hold  the  arms  parallel  with  the 
shoulders,  bend  them  at  the  elbows  and  tap  quickly 
every  |)art  of  the  chest  that  can  be  reached  with  the 
tin  ire  rs. 

When  walking  or  standing,  practice  taking  deep 
iiilialations  and  holding  the  breath  as  long  as  possi- 
hle.  This  is  an  excellent  method  of  warming 
oneself  when  chilly.     A  few  deep  breaths  drawing 

in  an  extra  amount  of  oxygen  sets  the  blood  dancing, 

8 


114 


PllEl'A RATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


and  with  the  improved  circulation  there  is  an 
immediate  sensation  of  warmth. 

If  one  has  habitually  breathed  through  the  month 
there  is  a  feeling  of  suffocation  when  the  attempt  is 
made  to  close  it  and  use  the  nasal  passages  lor 
the  admission  of  air.  Unless  there  is  some  obstruc- 
tion of  the  nose  this  feeling  is  soon  overcome. 

Nature  intends  that  the  air  sliall  be  warnicil 
by  j)assing  through  this  circuitous  route  before  it 
reaches  the  delicate  tissues  of  the  linigs,  Breiitliing 
through  the  mouth  permits  a  rush  of  cold  air  where 
she  never  meant  it  to  come.  Ihe  habit  of  brcathiiiL:; 
through  the  nose  can  be  acquired  with  compara- 
tively little  trouble,  if  the  passages  are  unobstructed, 
and  it  is  very  important  to  the  health  of  the  luiios. 

Violent  exercise  like  riding  on  horseback,  playiiii,^ 
tennis,  dancing,  bicycle  riding,  etc.,  had  better  l)e 
discontinued  at  this  time. 


DRIVING 

Driving  in  a  carriage  can  scarcely  be  classed  as 
exercise,  and  yet  when  a  woman  is  unable  to  walk 
she  can  in  this  way  obtain  fresh  air  and  chaiii>o 
of  scene  without  much  fatigue,  and  the  result  is 
beneficial. 

SITTING 

Nothing  is  more  injurious  than   long  sitting  in 


STANDING — PHYSIC  A  I.    lOXEKClSE 


115 


one  position  bonding  over  a  writing  table  or  a  sewing 
machine.  The  use  of  a  niaehino  witli  a  foot-treadle 
should  be  interdicted.  In  some  eases,  by  removing 
the  l>and,  the  maeiiine  can  be  turned  by  liaiul,  thus 
uuikiiig  sewing  upon  it  possible  without  injury 
to  the  worker. 

STANDING 

Prolonged  standing  is  also  injurious.  Women 
who  have  to  do  their  own  ironing  will  find  great  re- 
lief in  using  a  high  chair  and  sitting  while  they  are 
thus  occupied.  The  feet  must  be  comfortably  sup- 
ported on  a  foot  stool. 

l)y  iiaving  a  chair  of  the  proper  height  dishes 
can  l)c  washed,  bread  kneaded  and  manv  other 
domestic  operations  conducted  while  sitting  which 
are  usually  done  in  a  standing  position.  By  the 
exercise  of  a  little  ingemiity  much  unnecessary 
weariness  can  be  avoided. 


PHYSICAL   EXERCISE 

A  celebrated  physician  has  said,  '^One  might 
hesitate  to  prescribe  gymnasium  exercise  for  the 
pregnant ;  yet  I  recall  one  patient  habituated  from 
carlv  childhood  to  t^vmnastic  exercise,  who  continued 
licr  training  during  nearly  the  whol^  of  her  ges- 
tation, omitting  only  the  heavier  work,  and  she  had 


IIG 


PREI'AUATION    FOR    MOTIIEIIIIOOD 


a  most  rapid  and  easy  labor  and  an  unoventful  cou- 
valosonee." 

Those  whoaroaconstojni'd  to  reirnlar  physical  exrr- 
ciso  may  continno  it,  those  who  are  nnaceiistomcd  to 
it  shonld  eommenee  it,  ehoosing  snitahle  exercises 
that  stren^tJKMi  withont  strainini^  the  muscles. 

A  few  simple  ones  for  improving  the  capacity  of 
the  lungs  have  been  mentioned.  These  shonld  In- 
assiduously  practiced,  for  the  power  of  taking  and 
holding  a  long,  deep  breath  is  of  'immense  ad- 
vantage during  the  last  stage  of  labor. 

To  develop  the  muscdes  at  the  sides  of  the  waist, 
besides  the  exercise  obtained  from  the  high  steps  in 
going  up  stairs,  try  the  following  simple  one.  Stand 
erect  with  limbs  together,  head  held  well  up,  el  tin. 
drawn  in  a  little  and  shoulders  thrown  back.  liaise 
the  left  arm  as  far  as  possible  above  the  head,  bend- 
ing the  body  sideways  in  the  opposite  direclioii 
as  far  as  can  be  done  without  lifting  the  Irft 
foot  from  the  floor.  Repeat  with  the  right  arm 
and  continue  usiuff  each  arm  .alternately,  for  two  or 
three  minutes. 

Stand  as  straight  as  possible  and  bend  the  body 
backward  and  forward  as  far  as  can  be  done  with- 
out raising  the  feet  from  the  ground. 

Kneeling  on  the  floor  with  the  knees  apart  and 
gently  swaying  the   body  in  different  directions? 


GARDENING — PRECAUTIONS — MASSAGE      117 

hackwurd,  forward,  and  sideways  helps  to  stroiigtlien 
the  uuisc'los  of  the  perineum. 

Thv-  best  time  for  these  exercises  is  just  before  tlic 
iiiIiMay  rest,  or  at  night  before  going  to  bed.  The 
(h'css  should  be  removed  and  the  underclothing  l)e 
sulliciently  loose  to  offer  no  restraint. 

GAKDENINO 

(lurdenin^  is  a  delightful  occupation  for  those 
will)  are  fond  of  it  when  it  is  possible.  Bending 
over  as  in  weeding  strengthens  the  muscles  of  the 
small  of  the  back,  and  being  in  the  open  air  is 
always  beneficial. 

PRECAUTIONS 

There  is  one  precaution  that  must  not  be  neglected. 
No  violent  exercise,  nor  indeed  bodily  exercise  of  any 
kind,  should  be  taken  at  the  time  that  v/ould 
have  been  the  menstrual  })eriods  under  ordinary 
conditions.  This  rule  must  be  implicitly  observed. 
Its  neglect  may  cause  the  loss  of  the  child's  life 
and  serious  iniurv  to  the  mother. 

With  this  exception  regular  gentle  exercise  during 
j)rot^nancy  is  one  of  the  most  certain  means  of  ensur- 
iiisi;  good  health  to  both  mother  and  child. 

MASSAGE 

When  active  exercise  has  to  be  omitted,  a  course  of 


118 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


massage  treatment  is  advisable,  that  the  museles  may 
be  kept  in  good  eondition. 

This  consists  of  rubbing,  kneading,  rolling,  press- 
ing and  nKiiiipulating  each  muscle  separately,  it 
must  be  done  l)y  a  j)rof'essronal  masseuse  and  niidcr 
the  direction  of  a  physician. 

When  the  expectant  mother  is  obliged  to  remain 
in  bed  from  some  physical  disability  for  months 
at  a  time,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  this  means  of  kccj)- 
ing  up  her  vigor  should  not  be  neglected. 

It  is  very  agreeable  to  most  persons,  and  those 
who  have  once  undergone  the  treatment  are  usually 
anxious  to  repeat  the  experience. 

When  the  services  of  a  masseuse  cannot  be  had 
the  want  may  be  in  a  measure  supplied  by  amateur 
rubbing  and,  if  tiie  doctor  permits  them,  a  regular 
course  of  exercise  in  bed. 


EXERCISE   IN    BED 

Lying  on  the  back  and  alternately  bending  the 
knees  and  extending  the  legs  is  a  good  exercise. 
The  knees  may  be  bent  and  the  legs  moved  fnun 
si<le  to  side  as  far  as  possible  eacii  way. 

Pushing  with  the  feet  against  the  foot-boaid 
of  the  bed  or  the  hands  of  another  person,  who 
pushes  back  again,  is  of  use. 

Pushing  with  the  hands  in  the  same  way  helps 


EXERCISE    IN    BED 


119 


to  exercise  some  of  the  iimscles  of  the  arms. 
Propped  with  pillows,  the  arms  can  be  raised  and 
tiie  head  of  the  bedstead  grasped,  or,  lyint^  down,  the 
bodv  can  be  drawn  np  by  tlie  hands,  if  there  is  no 
reason  why  the  movement  should  be  prohibited. 

Deep  breathiiii^  can  be  practiced  without  difficulty 
in  any  case,  as  this  involves  very  little  exertion  and 
it  is  of  incalculable  benefit  in  expanding  tlie  chest 
ami  increasing  the  capacity  of  the  lungs. 

When  a  woman  is  convinced  that  firm  muscles, 
ca{)able  of  expanding  and  contracting  vigorously  in 
the  efforts  which  she  must  put  forth,  will  be  of  great 
advantage  to  her  in  the  hour  of  need,  she  will  spare 
no  pains  to  cultivate  them. 

It  is  lia})py  for  her  if  the  preparation  has  been 
hoi]i;un  long  before,  in  her  girlhood,  and  she  has  al- 
ready a  well  developed  body.  AVhen  this  is  not  the 
case  she  must  try  to  remedv  the  ill  effects  of  neyjlect 
and  bring  herself  into  as  good  a  condition  as  possi- 
ble in  the  time  allowed  her. 


CHAPTER    VIII 


REST 


NECESSITY   OF   REST 


The  importance  of  avoiding  exertion  at  the  time 
that  would  have  been  the  menstrual  period  has  al- 
ready been  mentioned.  It  cannot  be  too  often  reit- 
erated. If,  as  sometimes  happens,  the  expectant 
mother  does  not  know  the  exact  season  when  tin' 
discharge  might  have  been  expected,  she  must  l)e 
doubly  careful  to  heed  any  indications  that  might 
lead  her  to  suppose  it  is  approaching. 

Feelings  of  languor  and  weariness  should  l>o 
yielded  to,  not  fought  against,  and  be  met  with  ad- 
ditional rest.  A  hearing-down  sensation,  or  pain, 
even  if  it  is  not  acute,  should  be  the  signal  for  stay- 
ing in  bed  two  or  three  days.  It  is  misplaced  forti- 
tude to  keep  on  the  feet  and  try  to  do  the  daily  work 
under  these  circumstances. 

A  woman  should  remember  that  she  is  entitled  to 
care  and  cherishing  during  these  mouths  of  waiting. 
(120) 


REST   DURING   THP:   DAY 


121 


I 


le  time 

lias  ul- 

en  reit- 
pectant 

leii   the 
list  l)e 
might 

)iil(l   ho 

ith  aa- 

)r  pain, 

or  stay- 

(1  f'ortl- 


Usually  those  about  her  are  very  ready  to  give  it ;  if 

uiiiuij)[)ily  this  is  not  so,  she  must  redouble  her  care 

of  luTseir.     She  has  to  think  not  only  of  herself  but 

of  her  child. 

REST    DURING   THE   DAY 

'Mduy  women  believe  it  is  a  positive  waste  (»f 
tmie  to  lie  down  during  the  day.  As  has  already 
JH'cM  ^aid  this  is  a  fallacy.  The  gain  to  brain  and 
lu  rves  more  than  compensates  for  the  loss  sustained 
hv  spending  one  of  the  working  hours  in  sleep. 

The  expectant  mother  should  make  a  point  of 
taking  off  her  dress,  putting  on  a  loose  jacket  and 
King  on  her  bed,  or  a  couch,  for  an  hour  in  the 
middle  of  the  day  before  or  preferably  after  dinner 
or  lunch.  She  should  lie  still  with  eyes  closed  even 
if  she  does  not  sleep. 

At  first  it  will  require  an  effort.  The  impulse  is 
to  read,  or  to  occupy  oneself  in  some  way,  if  only  in 
counting  the  patterns  of  the  wall  paper.  We  are 
ci'catures  of  habit,  and  after  a  few  days  this  desire,  if 
not  yielded  to,  lessens  and  one  is  content  to  lie  still. 

It  is  important  to  have  the  room  darkened,  as  the 
al)scnce  of  light  in  itself  rests  the  weary  brain  and 
renders  sleep  more  probable.  This  is  best  effected 
bv  means  of  dark  linen  blinds,  which  can  be  rolled 
up  out  of  sight  when  not  in  use. 

If  plenty  of  exercise  is  taken  there  is  no  fear  of 


■SP" 


122 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


the  noonday  nap  interfering  with  the  night's  rest. 
Indeed  it  is  more  likely  to  promote  it,  as  over  fatigue 
is  one  of  the  causes  of  sleeplessness  and  this  is  pre- 
vented by  the  timely  rest. 

RELAXATION 

There  is  an  art  in  resting  which  is  only  beginning 
to  be  understood.  Perfect  relaxation  is  in  itself 
rest.  Swaying  back  and  forth  in  a  rocking  cha-r 
with  nuiscles  tense  and  nerves  on  edge  is  not  resting. 
Throwing  oneself  back  in  a  comfortable  easy  chair 
with  every  part  as  limp  as  possible,  feet  resting  easily 
on  the  ground,  arms  lying  loosely  in  the  lap,  fingers 
unclasped,  and  head  supported,  comes  nearer  the 
ideal  position. 

If  several  times  in  a  busy  morning  five  minutes 
is  taken  for  absolute  rest  with  eyes  shut,  and  ears 
as  far  as  j)ossible  closed  to  outside  sounds,  the  good 
effect  will  be  perceptible  in  the  freshness  with  which 
one  will  return  to  the  tasks  that  were  beginning  to 
seem  a  burden. 

WASTE   OF    POWER 

We  are  all  apt  to  put  too  much  energy  into  our 
every  day  work,  using  a  steam  hammer  to  crack  a 
nut.  The  expectant  mother  camiot  do  this  with  im- 
punity ;  she  must  husband  her  resources,  she  has  tu 
live  for  two. 


OUT   DOOR    REST  p^., 

■-•|>riso!l  to  find  l;  r  '".^.^--f'...!  it,vi]|  be 

J'li.vsieal  self  control  is  almost  n,    • 
""•"tal,  and  boti,  can  bp  o  ,  .      ""l""-ta"t  as 

OUT   DOOR    REST 

""  a  ""'ck  ni.r  „„,,„,'     ,  T^'"'  '«^**''^'«-     Lying 

'■"^'■'<-  -■"  a  '^.ri'o,::  7:  •:;■•-'  t  -^^"^^"^"^  - 

'■"i  f-'-ns  of  rec-eatior  ta     t   I    "  T  "''"»^'"- 
'"■'■'■^sible  to  everyone  '">«^>-f'"ateIy  are  not 

:.-™'ttrr''r:rnr^''''- 

•l'--,  may  be  made  restf,    "    'J"^'^^"--  '<>  tUe 
'"""■""  is  yielded  to  .„;     l     ,  "''"''''■     ^^  "'<" 

"■I'on  the  whole  frll  i    «    7  ,  "  ''"'''   ««'-"o"- 

^''•"'"'•«t  jolt,  tl  e  Wd        ''.'■'"'>'."»-«^«'  to  resist  the 

J     ,tl>eJaad   earned  stiffly  and   the  mind 


124 


PREPA RATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


koj)t  on  the  alert  to  see  that  the  tension  of  the  h(j(lv 
is  nut  relaxed,  there  is  little  rest  to  be  obtained  I'ruiii 
it. 

CHANGE   OF   OCCUPATION 

Change  of  oceu])ation  is  a  certain  kind  of  rest, 
eallinji;  into  action  a  different  set  of  faculties  and 
muscles.  This,  however,  is  not  enough  for  the  ex- 
pectant mother,  nor  should  she  be  satisfied  with  less 
than  an  hour  a  day  and  several  shorter  intervals  of 
absolute  rest  to  recruit  and  refresh  her. 


SLEEP 

Quiet,  profound  sleej)  is  very  necessary  for  the 
health  of  body  and  mind  at  this  time  as  well  as  at 
every  other.  It  is  not  always  to  be  had  for  the 
asking,  and  sometimes  the  very  effort  to  compose 
oneself  seems  only  to  drive  it  further  awav. 

The  doctor  can  ])rescribe  medicine  which  will 
soothe  the  excited  nerves  and  induce  sleep,  but  it  is 
not  well  to  depend  upon  these,  and  all  the  domestic 
soporifics  should  be  exhausted  before  he  is  a])peal((l 
to. 

MEANS   OF   INDUCING   SLEEP 

A  warm  bath  just  before  going  to  bed  is  with 
some  persons  an  effectual  means  of  bringing  sleep. 

Brisk  rubbing  of  the  feet,  either  dry  or  with  cold 
water,  stimulates  the  extremities  and  equalizes   the 


MEANS   OF    INDUCING    .SLEEP 


125 


clrt'ulution,  thus  relieving  the  pressure  of  blood  in 
tlic  brain  which  renders  sleep  difficult,  or  impossible. 

in  natural  sleep  the  heart  beats  more  slowly  than 
when  one  is  awake,  consequently  the  blood  circulates 
less  rapidly,  there  is  less  })ressure  on  tlu;  nerve  cen- 
tres and  the  machine  runs  at  the  lowest  rate  of 
sjx'cd,  giving  all  the  parts  time  to  rest. 

J 11  using  means  to  promote  sleep  every  effort 
should  be  made  to  attract  the  blood  to  other  parts 
of  the  body  that  the  brain  may  be  as  little  stimu- 
lated as  possible. 

Sometimes  a  rubber  hot  water  bag  at  the  feet  and 
an  ice  bag  at  tlie  back  of  tlie  neck  will  have  the  de- 
sired effect.  If  a  rubber  ice  bag  cannot  be  had  a 
towel  wrung  out  of  ice  water  tightly  folded  and  cov- 
ered with  a  ])iece  of  India  rubber  cloth,  or  rolled  in 
table  oil  cloth,  may  be  used  as  a  substitute. 

A  light  supper  just  before  going  to  bed  is  advisa- 
lile.  The  digestive  organs  are  set  in  motion  and  a 
eertain  amount  of  blood  diverted  to  them  in  the 
process  of  digestion. 

A  glass  of  hot  milk  is  highly  recommended,  and 
with  some  persons  is  an  unfailing  antidote  to  sleep- 
l(Hsness.  It  should  be  taken  as  hot  as  it  can  be 
sij)ped.  A  third  lime  water  may  be  added  to  it  if 
it  cannot  be  borne  alone. 

Kxercise  in  the  open  air  promotes   sleep  and  a 


126 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


healthy  fatigue  almost  ensures  its  coming.  Over 
fatigue  may  drive  '^  away  and  any  excitement,  anx- 
iety, or  distress  of  mind  is  sure  to  do  so. 

There  are  a  few  mental  exercises  that  may  l)e 
tried  beside  the  time  honored  one  of  counting  sheep 
leaping  over  a  hedge,  or  running  through  a  gap. 
One  of  these  is  counting  steadily,  always  beginning; 
with  one,  or  rather  returning  to  it  as  one,  two  ;  one, 
two,  three  ;  one,  two,  three,  four ;  etc.  It  is  very 
monotonous  and  one  does  sometimes  drop  asleep 
under  its  influence. 

POSITION 

It  may  be  that  the  expectant  motlier  cannot  find 
a  position  in  which  she  can  rest  comfortably.  Ly- 
ing sideways  witli  a  j)illow  pUiced  under  the  abdo- 
men to  support  the  weight,  relieves  the  pressure  and 
gives  ease. 

In  special  cases  a  bandage  may  have  to  be  worn 
at  night  as  well  as  during  the  day. 


BED   COVERING 

The  bed  covering  should  be  light.  A  weight  of 
bed  clothes  is  oppressive  and  tiring  even  if  it  is  not 
felt  as  a  burden  at  the  time.  A  down  comforter  is 
almost  indispensable  in  winter.  If  it  is  not  to  1)P 
had  large  newspapers  spread  between  the  blankets 


MOIiNlNd    SLFKF' — NrfJIlT    I-KHITS 


12: 


(»(»iiil)ino  warmth  uiu!  lijriitnoss.  The  pajuT  is  al- 
most impervious  to  air  and  as  it  is  })reveiiting  the  es- 
cape of  the  heat  <z;enerate(l  hy  the  body  that  makes 
one  warm,  they  answer  the  purpose  admirably. 

MORNING     SLEEP 

Sometimes  a  restless  night  is  followed  by  a  desire 
to  sleep  in  the  morning.  This  shoidd  be  encouraged 
and  the  bedroom  darkened  by  means  of  linen  blinds. 

Nothing  is  so  restful  to  brain  and  nerves  as  dark- 
ness, and  wh(Mi  there  is  difficulty  in  sleeping  light 
should  be  rioidlv  excluded.  OlhMi  a  rav  of  morn- 
ing  sunlight  wakens  the  slec^per,  who  would  have 
slumbered  profoundly  for  some  time  longer  had  the 
room  been  dark. 


NIGHT    LIGHTS 

niiruino;  a  niirht  lio-ht  is  a  bad  habit,  only  defen- 
sihlo  where  there  are  children  who  are  apt  to  wake 
suddenly  a!id  must  be  attended  to  in  haste.  Even 
tiien  a  candle  can  be  lighted  in  an  instant  if  matches 
aiv  at  hand,  without  the  delay  necessary  to  remove 
a  lau){)  shade. 

When  there  is  a  young  baby  many  mothers  feel  a 
nervous  anxiety  at  being  without  a  light  burning  in 
the  room,  lest  something  should  happen  to  the  help- 
less little  being  which  the  mother's  watchful  eye 


Jl>8 


PltKPAIlATION    Foil    MOTIIKIMIOOT) 


niioht  lijive  seoii  and  prevented  liad  tliere  been  lioht 
to  liave  revealed  it. 

Patent  night  lights,  little  wicks  floating  in  oil, 
and  other  devices,  can  he  obtained.  I'hey  have  the 
advantage  of  consuming  very  little  oxygen.  \\  li<  n 
it  is  ne(;essary  to  use  kerosene  a  small  lamp  of  the 
kind  known  as  a  Tom  Thumb  lamp  should  be  pio- 
eured.  It  uses  very  little  oil  and  need  not  beturind 
down.  A  large  lamp  uidess  the  wiek  is  kept  at  llic 
full  height  almost  invariably  smells  unpleasantly. 

It  is  dangerous  to  lower  gas  beyond  a  certain 
point  as  a  temporary  cessation  of  the  supply  puts 
out  the  light  and  when  the  flow  of  gas  is  resumed  it 
pours  unchecked  into  the  room,  sometimes  with  fiUal 
results.  The  sleepers  may  be  suffocated  before  any- 
one is  roused  to  a  sense  of  the  danger.  A  bain 's 
life  might  easily  be  sacrificed  in  this  way. 


RED   TIME 

The  hour  of  going  to  bed  nnist  be  regulated  to  a 
great  extent  by  the  usual  custom  in  this  respect.  It 
is  an  old  saying  that  one  hour  of  sleep  before  mid- 
night is  worth  two  after.  I^ike  the  old  proverbs, 
which  are  the  "  wisdom  of  many  and  the  wit  of 
one,"  this  probably  has  a  substratum  of  truth  that 
has  been  proved  by  the  experience  of  ages.  The 
earlier  the  time  of  retiring  to  rest  the  less  tired  one 


VENTILATION 


120 


is  likely  to  be,  and  sleep  taken  when  the  body  is  not 
over  fatigued  is  more  refreshing  than  when  it  over- 
j)()\vers  one  exhausted  and  wearied  by  the  strain  of 
lonir  continued  wakefulness. 

We  are  such  creatures  of  habit  that  the  verv  fact 
of  undressing  and  lying  down  predisposes  us  to 
sluiiiber  if  we  usually  fall  asleep  as  soon  as  we  are 
in  bed. 

Even  when  the  eyes  will  not  close  at  once  there 
is  relief  in  the  chaufje  of  attitude  and  in  the  freedom 
from  the  thraldom  of  clothes,  however  easy  and 
well-fitting,  that  is  in  itself  restful.  When  possi- 
ble, early  hours  are  a  distinct  advantage  to  the  ex- 
{)ectant  mother. 


VENTILATION 

It  is  not  of  much  use  to  acquire,  or  possess,  cor- 
rect habits  of  breathing  unless  there  is  an  ample 
sii|)ply  of  pure  air  to  be  inhaled. 

Life  cannot  be  sustained  without  a  certain  amount 
ol'  oxygen,  and  the  expectant  mother  has  to  take  in 
not  only  enough  for  herself  but  for  her  child. 

The  oxygen  is  abstracted  from  the  air  and  used 
ill  the  body,  carbonic  acid  gas  being  thrown  off  from 
the  lungs.  This  renders  the  air  unfit  to  be  breathed 
again. 

Nor  is  this  the  only  element  that  poisons  the  air. 
9 


130 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTIIERHOOl) 


I! 


A  watery  vapor,  carrying  with  it  iinpuritiLS  from 
the  body,  animal  matter  which  has  already  servi d 
its  purpose,  is  also  exhaled  from  the  lungs.  A  cer- 
tain amount  of  waste  escapes  through  the  pores  of 
the  skin  so  that,  even  if  there  is  no  other  source  of 
contamination,  the  presence  of  a  person  in  a  clostd 
room  s[)eedily  renders  the  air  in  it  unfit  for  use. 

The  oxygon  lias  to  be  diminished  to  a  very  small 
amount,  about  one-third  of  that  present  in  pure  aii', 
before  a  difli(!ulty  in  breathing  is  experienced.  No 
Avarning  is  given  in  this  way  that  not  enough  is 
being  received  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  system. 
The  air  breathed,  particularly  at  night,  may  contain 
an  entirely  inadequate  quantity  without  the  con- 
sumer being  so  unpleasantly  conscious  of  it  as  to 
make  an  effort  to  obtain  a  proper  supply. 

The  excess  of  carbonic  acid  gas  is  more  easily 
recognized.  It  is  this  that  gives  a  close  smell  to  the 
air  in  a  room  that  has  been  occupied  by  one  or  more 
persons  and  not  properly  ventilated. 

A  good  test  is  to  cltne  the  door  of  the  bed 
room  on  leaving  it  in  the  morning,  stand  by  an 
open  Avindow  for  a  few  moments  and  then  return  to 
the  room.  If  fresh  air  has  not  been  admitted 
during  the  night  one  is  instantly  struck  by  the  dis- 
agreeable odor  and  there  is  a  .sense  of  oppression  as 
one  tries  to  inhale  the  polluted  atmosphere. 


HEAT 


131 


Tho  absence  of  an  abundant  supi)ly  of  oxyj^en, 
the  pi'cscnco  of  an  overplus  of  carbonic  acid  ^as 
and  of  j)()isonous  exhalations  from  the  body  in  the 
air  that  has  to  bo  breathed  and  rebreathed  by 
iiiit'ortunate  human  beings  is  necessarily  injurious  to 
hcahh. 

I  fit  is  not  as  immediately  fatal  asairdefded  with 
ilhiiniiiating  gas,  or  the  choke  damp  that  lingers  in 
(li-iised  wells,  it  undermines  the  powers  of  the  body 
hy  slow  degrees.  It  renders  it  less  able;  to  repel 
disease  and  ready  to  fall  a  victim  to  what  it  would 
easily  have  resiste<l  if  in  full  vigor. 


HEAT 

There  is  little  difficulty  in  getting  plenty  of  fresh 
air  to  breathe  during  the  day.  Many  women  spend 
the  time  that  they  are  in  the  house  in  winter  in  hot 
rooms  from  which  the  pure  out  door  air  is  as  care- 
fully excluded  as  if  it  were  ether  or  chloroform 
warranted  to  produce  asphyxia  if  taken  in  too  large 
quantities. 

Cold  is  the  great  bugbear  and  warmth  the  deity 
to  which  health  must  be  sacrificed.  Those  who 
bathe  regularly,  and  keep  the  skin  in  a  state  of 
activity  by  vigorous  friction  do  not  take  cold 
readily^ 


132 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


PURE  AIR 

Many  of  the  modern  systems  of  heating  provide 
for  a  constant  supply  of  pure,  warm  air.  An  open 
fire  carries  awav  the  air  that  has  been  used  l)v 
its  upward  draught.  As  our  dwellings  are  fortu- 
nately not  air  tight  its  place  is  supplied  by  out  d(»()r 
air,  which  rushes  in  through  cracks  and  crevices  to 
fill  the  vacuum. 

We  cannot  all  furnish  our  liomes  exactly  as  we 
should  like  to  do,  and  many  of  us  have  to  make  the 
best  of  the  conditions  under  which  we  live,  as  it 
is  out  of  our  power  to  make  a  radical  change  in 
them. 

To  one  living  in  a  cold  climate  in  a  house  heated 
by  stoves  the  problem  of  adequate  ventilation  is  a 
difficult  one.  It  must  be  met  and  solved  if  the 
family  is  to  be  kept  in  the  best  measure  of  health 
attainable. 

Changing  the  air  several  times  in  the  day  In' 
opening  the  window,  or  the  fly  pane  in  the  double 
window,  when  the  room  is  vacant,  is  perhaps  the 
most  feasible  plan.  Bedrooms  should  be  aired  fo'  a 
couple  of  hours  every  morning,  unless  the  ther- 
mometer shows  a  portentously  low  record. 

When  the  weather  is  mild  enough  to  peiinit 
of  the  outside  air  being  admitted  in  a  steady  strenni 
without   lowering   the   temperature   of  tlie  sitting 


WAYS  OP   VENTILATING 


133 


room  below  6o°y  that  is,  enabling  it  to  be  ke[)t  at 
this  ])oint  by  means  of  artificial  heat  within,  the 
diiiiciilty  is  materially  lessened. 


WAYS  OF  VENTILATING 

There  are  two  ways  in  which  an  open  window 
can  be  guarded  so  as  to  prevent  the  danger  of 
draughts.  This  is  a  very  real  danger  and  should 
not  be  neglected  in  the  desire  to  keep  the  air  in 
a  fit  condition  for  breathing.  To  feel  a  current 
of  cold  air  stealing  down  the  back  is  an  unpleasant 
experience  and  to  a  delicate  person  may  be  a  danger- 
ous one. 

To  obviate  this  a  piece  of  board  about  four 
inches  deep  and  the  width  of  the  window  may 
be  placed  beneath  the  lower  sash.  The  air  enters 
vliere  the  two  sashes  are  separated  and  is  di- 
rected upward. 

The  upper  sash  can  be  lowered  about  the  same 
distance  and  the  apeiture  covered  with  a  strip 
of  flannel  pinned  tightly  acn'oss  to  t'  -;  window 
frame  on  each  side.  The  flannel  can  he  lacked  on 
a  light  frame  made  to  slip  into  the  opening. 

Both  these  devices  are  valuable  for  use  at  night 
in  the  bedroom. 

Sometimes  a  window  can  be  opened   in  a  hall, 


134 


PRKI'ARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


or  an  adjoining  room,  and  the  air  admitted  from 
that  into  the  one  occupied,  being  warmed  previously. 

In  summer  a  screen  in  front  of  the  window  per- 
mits the  free  entrance  of  air  yet  prevents  a  draught. 

It  is  always  difficult  to  ventilate  properly  a  small 
room  with  only  one  window.  The  bed  is  aj/t  to 
stand  near  it,  and  opening  directly  upon  it  the  avoid- 
ance of  a  draught  is  almost  impossible.  Covering 
the  opening  with  flannel  and  closing  the  door  lessens 
the  danger. 

Except  in  very  warm  weather  it  is  always  weli  to 
keep  the  door  shut  unless  it  is  necessary  to  close  the 
window.  Then  when  there  is  a  purer  air  in  the  pas- 
sage, or  connecting  room,  it  may  be  left  open  to 
admit  it. 


il  ^ 


If  i 


SOURCES  OF   CONTAMINATION 

The  greatest  care  should  be  taken  to  remove  from 
the  bedroom  every  possible  source  of  contamination 
to  the  air.  Vessels  should  be  emptied,  water  that 
has  been  used  in  washing  removed  and  no  refuse  of 
any  kind  allowed  to  remain  within  its  walls. 

An  artificial  light  is  a  consumer  of  oxygen,  and 
this  is  one  of  the  arguments  against  burning  one 
at  night.  When  possible  it  should  at  least  stand 
outside  the  bedroom  door. 

When  the  room  is  close  and  it  is  impossible  to 


m 


m 


TEMPERATURE 


135 


open  window  and  door  to  cause  a  free  circulation  to 
froshoii  it,  the  air  may  be  set  in  motion  by  moving 
a  lar^e  palm-leaf  fan  briskly  through  it.  If  the 
door  is  opened  into  a  freshly  aired  hall  some  of  the 
pure  air  will  enter  the  room  by  this  means. 

TEMPERATURE 

The  feelings  should  not  be  permitted  to  be  the 
only  test  of  the  temperature  of  a  room.  A  thermome- 
ter .should  hang  there  and  the  degrees  of  heat  be 
reirulated  bv  its  indications.  68°  Fahrenheit  is  warm 
enoiitrh  for  a  sittino*  room  and  from  60°  to  65°  for  a 
bedroom.  50°  is  sufficiently  warm  for  sleeping. 
Rest  is  more  refreshing  when  taken  in  a  compara- 
tively cool  atmosphere.  A  uight's  repose  in  a 
hot  room  always  causes  a  feeling  of  languor  on 
awakening. 


CHAPTER  IX 


CLOTHING 


Dress  ij  nerally  an  important  subject  in  the 
estimation  of  ^/omen.  Our  garments  are  so  mucli 
more  complex  than  those  of  the  sterner  sex  that 
naturally  they  require  more  consideration  than  men 
accord  to  theirs. 

Whether  this  is  at  the  root  of  the  vanity  with 
which  we  are  credited,  or  not  we  all  have  the 
feminine  desire  to  please  and  wish  to  look  our  best 
under  all  circumstances.  Dress  must  be  fitting  and 
approi)riate,  or  this  natural  and  laudable  wish  can- 
not  be  fulfilled. 

PRINCIPLES 

There  is  a  deeper  reason  why  the  expectant 
mother  should  pay  especial  attention  to  her  clothinp^. 
The  welfare  of  her  child,  no  less  than  her  own,  is 
involved.  She  can  injure  its  development  and  im- 
pair her  own  health  by  dressing  impro])erly,  and  slie 
can  benefit  both  by  attention  to  a  few  simple  princi- 
ples. 

(136) 


RESULT  OF   PRESSURE 


137 


Avoid  pressure,  particuliirly  constriction  of  the 
waist,  or  breasts. 

Suspend  clothing  from  the  shoulders,  not  from  the 
waist. 

Do  not  wear  garters  around  the  legs. 

Tiiese  are  not  mere  arbitrary  rules;  tiiere  is  a 
reason  for  every  prohibition.  The  thoughtful  woman 
will  recognize  their  necessity. 

She  who  has  all  her  life  dressed  according  to  the 
dictates  of  fashion,  or  from  simple  thoughtlessness 
followed  the  example  of  those  about  her,  may  not  be 
readily  convinced  that  any  change  is  needed. 

RESULT   OF   PRESSURE 

The  walls  of  the  abdomen  are  soft  and  yielding. 
IVlow  the  ribs  in  front,  there  is  nothing  to  prevent 
the  delicate  organs  within  from  being  scpieezed  out 
of  shai)e  by  persistent,  long  continued  pressure  from 
without. 

A  familiar  illustration  will  serve  to  show  that 
this  has  actually  wrought  great  mischief.  One 
variety  of  malformation  of  the  liver  is  know^i  as 
th(^  "corset  liver"  because  it  is  dee^)ly  indented  i;y 
the  pressure  which  is  maintained  by  even  moderate 
ti^ht  lacing. 

The  vital  organs  are  arranged  in  the  abdomen 
with   wonderful    nicety.     Each    occupies    its    own 


138 


PREPARATION   FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


place,  with  space  to  perform  its  own  function  with- 
out interfering  with  its  neighbors. 

What  must  be  the  effect  of  thrusting  into  this 
delicate  adjustment  the  disturbing  influence  of  pres- 
sure? The  parts  are  squeezed  out  of  their  proper 
relations  to  each  other,  the  circulation  is  interfend 
with,  the  pelvic  bones  are  distorted  and  the  ma- 
chinery, so  complicated  and  yet  so  perfectly  adjusted 
to  do  its  work,  cannot  run  smoothly. 

Nothing  but  the  marvellous  power  of  adaptation 
which  the  human  body  possesses  prevents  the  dis- 
tortions to  which  it  is  subjected  from  destroying 
life  itseii.  Crippled,  it  can  still  live  on,  but  at  what 
a  cost  of  suffering  to  the  victim,  very  often  not 
attributed  to  the  true  cause. 

One  reads  with  hope  of  gymnasiums  for  women, 
of  tennis  grounds  and  rowing  clubs,  whence  tight 
garments  of  any  kind  must  be  excluded.  On  the 
next  page  are  spread  forth  the  advertisements  of 
corset  makers  in  such  number  and  variety  as 
make  it  evident  that  they  must  be  largely  patron- 
ized or  they  could  not  afford  to  call  attention  at 
such  length  to  their  wares. 

If  the  expectant  mother  has  always  dressed  sensi- 
bly, wearing  a  soft  well-fitting  waist  instead  of  a 
stiff*  unyielding  corset,  and  avoided  heavy  skirts,  she 
need  make  little  alteration  in  her  dress. 


RESULT   OF   PRESSURE 


1:^9 


Should  she  be  in  bondage  to  less  hygienic  under- 
wear nothing  remains  but  to  make  a  cliange  as 
soon  as  possible.  Pressure,  always  bad  in  its 
eiTccts,  is  doubly  dangerous  now. 

The  enlarging  uterus  must  exert  a  certain  amount 
of  pressure  upon  the  surrounding  organs.  This 
conies  so  gradually,  as  in  all  the  operations  of  nature, 
that  they  insensibly  adjust  themselves  to  it  and  are 
not  ])ermanently  injured  by  it. 

There  is  temporary  inconvenience  even  then,  as  is 
shown  by  the  desire  to  pass  water  more  frequently 
than  usual,  caused  by  pressure  upon  the  bladder, 
and  difficulty  in  breathing,  due  ^o  upward  pressure 
on  the  diaphra^^.n,  lessening  the  capacity  of  the 
chest,  and  rendering  it  difficult  for  the  lungs  to 
expand  freely. 

Tight  bands  about  the  waist  force  the  internal 
organs  downward  toward  the  pelvis,  already  fully 
oeeupied  with  its  own  new  burden.  As  the  uterus 
gradually  rises  into  the  abdomen  its  upward  ])rogress 
is  hindered  by  the  obstacle  from  without.  There  is 
no  room  for  expansion  and  yet  it  must  expand.  The 
most  sensible  course  seems  to  be  to  remove  tlie 
hands. 

Piessure  continued  for  manv  vears  mav  have  dis- 
torted  the  bones  of  the  pelvis,  altering  its  shape  and 
diminishing   its    capacity.     The   weight   of  heavy 


140 


I'llEPAUATIOX    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


skirts  (Iraggiiifr  on  the  lower  part  of  the  flexil)!" 
spine  may  have  bent  it  inwards. 

For  this  there  is  now  no  help.  The  only  thin^ 
to  be  (lone  is  to  give  nature  free  sway,  untrammell(<l 
by  restrictions  from  without,  and  trust  to  her  tu 
remedy  the  faulty  conditions  as  far  as  possible. 

This  emphasizes  what  lias  been  said  before,  that 
the  preparation  for  motherhood  should  begin  in 
early  girliiood.  If  mothers  realized  their  responsi- 
bility in  this  matter,  would  not  they  see  that  atlca>t 
their  daughters  were  not  through  their  own  folly 
rendered  less  capal)le  than  nature  made  them  of 
becoming  mothers  with  safety  to  themselves  and 
their  children  ? 


SHOES 

The  expectant  mother  should  begin  at  the  founda- 
tion and  wear  comfortable  shoes  broad  enough  to 
allow  the  foot,  and  especially  the  toes,  free 
])lay.  It  is  difficult  to  "'alk  properly  when  the  foot 
is  cramped.  Weight  is  thrown  where  it  does  not 
belong,  the  muscles  are  imperfectly  exercised  and  the 
whole  body  suffers. 

Do  we  not  often  hear  women  sav,  "I  would  walk 
more  if  my  feet  did  not  hurt  me  so  much."  "  I 
suffer  so  from  corns  I  dread  to  put  my  feet  to 
the  ground." 


STOCKINGS — STOCKING   SUPPORTERS 


141 


STOCKINGS 


The  stockings  should  l)e  warm  in  winter,  well 
tittiiig,  and  always  long  enougli  to  cover  the  knees. 
They  must  be  kept  up  by  straps  at  the  sides. 


STOCKING  SUPPORTERS 

Tlie  best  stocking  supporters  are  strips  of  wide 
elastic  with  a  buttonhole  in  each  end,  like  those  used 
for  children.  These  can  be  fastened  at  one  end  to  a 
button  sown  on  the  outside  of  the  stocking  and  at 
tlie  other  to  a  button  on  the  waist.     Thev  do  not  tear 

ft' 

holes  in  the  stockings  as  the  metal-tipped  supporters 
are  apt  to  do.  The  button  holes  and  the  buttons  on 
the  stockings  should  be  stayed  with  pieces  of  cotton 
to  prevent  their  pulling  out. 

Garters  worn  around  the  leg  must  be  drawn  close 
to  keep  the  stockings  in  place.  They  thus  become 
tiuht  ligatures,  interfering  with  the  circulation  and 
[preventing  the  free  return  of  the  blood  through  the 
veins  from  the  feet  and  legs. 

The  pressure  on  the  trunks  of  the  great  blood 
vessels  in  the  abdomen  by  the  expansion  of  the 
uterus  renders  this  a  difficult  matter  under  any  cir- 
cumstances. If  it  is  not  effectually  accomplished 
varicose,  or  enlarged  veins,  are  the  result,  and  these 
are  dangerous  from  their  liability  to  rupture. 


'mm 


142 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


Freedom  from  restraint  is  important  everywhere. 
Even  in  a  point  a.s  far  distant  from  tiie  pelvis  as  the 
knee  it  cannot  be  neglected  with  impunity.  Attliis 
time  *'if  one  member  suffers  all  the  members  suifer 
with  it  '^  is  especially  true. 


BED   SOCKS 

If  the  feet  are  cold  at  night  a  pair  of  loosely 
knitted,  or  crocheted,  bed  socks  will  be  found  a 
great  comfort. 

UNDERWEAR 

The  underwear  should  be  as  light  as  possible.  In 
winter  a  Jersey  union  suit,  combining  shirt  and 
drawers  in  one,  can  be  worn.  They  are  warm  and 
not  bulky. 

If  the  shirt  is  worn  alone  it  is  sometimes  found 
convenient  to  o[)en  it  down  the  front,  face  each  side 
and  add  buttons  and  button  holes. 

This  does  away  with  the  difficulty  of  putting  it 
on  ahd  taking  it  otf,  which  is  sometimes  very  trying. 

Worry  should  be  spared  in  every  way  possible, 
and  it  is  by  attention  to  little  things  that  recur  con- 
stantly that  this  can  most  easily  be  effected. 

If  preferred  the  drawers  can  be  obtained  separ- 
ately and  buttoned  on  the  waist.  Do  not  fasten 
any  of  the  underclothing  by  bands  around  the 
waist. 


WAISTS 


1.43 


Some  women  like  a  cliemise  over  the  shirt,  and 
there  is  no  objection  to  this  garment. 


WAISTS 

The  hest  waist  is  the  equipoise.  It  gives  ample 
room  for  tiie  breasts  and  lurnisiies  some  support  for 
tlicm.  There  is  no  steel  in  front  and  the  lacing 
at  the  back  makes  it  possible  to  adjust  it  to  the 
figure  as  it  enlarges.  The  price  is  about  two  dollars 
and  a  half,  making  it  more  expensive  than  the 
ordinary  corset. 

If  a  cheaper  waist  is  desired  it  is  best  to  make 
one.  I  do  not  know  of  a  perfect  pattern,  but  a 
^ood  waist  can  be  made  by  modifying  an  ordinary 
])attorn  published  by  any  firm  that  deals  in  paper 
patterns. 

Instead  of  closing  the  upper  part  of  the  front 
seams  over  the  breasts,  work  evelet  holes  on  each 
side  and  lace  them  across.  The  lacings  can  be  regu- 
lated to  give  support  while  avoiding  pressure. 

Two  waists  should  be  provided,  so  that  they  can 
be  frequently  w^ashed.  They  are  made  of  dr'  l-ag 
or  any  other  thick  material  that  is  liked. 

A  corset  cover  is  not  needed  and  it  is  better 
to  dispense  with  one,  as  unless  made  with  lacings  it 
is  sure  to  be  too  tight  at  some  time. 


144 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


SKIRTS 


Two  light  skirts  are  all  that  arc  necessary  and 
these  can  have  hntton  holes  in  the  bands  and  be 
fastened  to  the  bnttons  on  the  waist. 


MATERNITY   DRESSES 

The  ontside  dress  is  the  most  important  part 
of  the  costnme  as  far  as  ai)pearances  go,  and  ind* cd 
in  other  respects  as  well.  li'  this  is  drawn  tightly 
about  the  form,  all  that  is  gained  by  having  loose 
undendothing  is  lost.  Pressure,  wherever  app]i((l, 
is  to  be  scrupulously  avoided. 

It  is  impossil)le  under  the  circumstances  to  |^  ^- 
serve  the  graceful  lines  of  the  figure.  Anyatt( 
to  do  so  is  labor  thrown  away.  Tight  fitting 
garments  only  bring  into  prominence  what  it  is  de- 
sired to  hide.  Loose,  softly  flowing  draperies  are 
much  more  effectual  in  concealing  the  form.  Tliese 
give  an  impression  of  ease  and  fitness,  which  is 
far  more  pleasing  to  the  eye  than  tlie  display  of 
outlines  which  in  the  nature  of  the  case  cannot 
be  beautiful. 

A  maternity  dress  should  be  made  with  long 
jacket  fronts  and  a  full  vest  falling  well  below 
the  waist  line.  This  vest  can  fasten  down  the 
middle,  the  joining  being  concealed  by  the  fulness. 


MATKIiXITV    DliESSES. 


145 


There  should  not  be  a  tii^ht  fittiii;^  lining  l>e- 
iK'Uth  it.  At  the  under  arm  seauis,  where  it  joins 
ih<  linini^  of  the  dress,  broad  pieees  of  elastic  about 
six  inches  long  should  be  inserted. 

These  are  hidden  by  the  jacket  fronts  and  yet 
give  the  necessary  elasticity  at  the  waist. 

The  soft,  full  vest  gives  .sufficient  room  for  the 
breasts,  care  being  taken  to  make  it  full  enough 
to  do  so  in  the  first  instance. 

If  it  is  desired  the  linini»:  can  extend  under 
the  vest  and  be  laced  up  the  front  instead  of  fastened 
with  hooks  and  eyes.  This  permits  of  its  being  en- 
lai'Lied  as  required. 

A  blazer  with  a  full  vest  makes  a  good  waist  for 
a  maternity  dress.  The  vest  and  collar  are  in  one, 
separate  from  the  blazer.  The  vest  is  held  in  place 
around  the  waist  by  a  band  of  elastic. 

The  long  skirt  of  the  blazer  is  particularly  be- 
coming. A  shirt  waist,  made  with  a  softly  gathered 
{'nil  front,  may  be  worn  instead  of  a  vest  if  it  is 
liked  better. 

The  dress  can  be  cut  in  princess  fashion  at  the 
haek,  waist  and  skirt  in  one.  In  front  provision 
must  be  made  for  the  lengthening  that  is  necessary 
as  time  goes  on,  or  else  the  skirt  will  be  lifted  from 
the  floor  at  the  bottom  and  poke  out  awkwardly  at 
the  foot. 
10 


146 


rUEPAIlATlON    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


This  can  be  accomplished  by  having  the  front 
breadths  gathered  on  an  elastic  band  attached  to  the 
sides  of  the  waist  at  the  bottom  of  the  nnder  arm 
seams.  About  four  inches  of  the  material  should  be 
turned  down  when  the  dress  is  made  and  the  skirt 
fastened  to  the  band  as  in  an  ordinary  dress.  The 
extra  material  can  be  let  down  as  needed.  The 
bottom  of  the  vest  falling  over  this  part  of  the  skirt 
conceals  the  marks  of  the  stitches  if  there  is  a  trace 
of  them. 

The  skirt  can  be  made  separate  from  the  waist. 
In  this  case  a  piece  of  elastic  must  be  inserted  aemss 
the  front  of  the  waist  band,  which  must  be  amply 
large. 

Shoulder  straps  must  be  fastened  to  the  baiul. 
The  easiest  way  to  adjust  these  is  to  sew  them  on  the 
band  at  the  back,  bring  them  over  the  shoulders 
and  fasten  them  to  the  band  in  front  v/ith  safety 
pins.     They  should  be  about  two  inches  broad. 

It  is  important  to  have  the  skirt  of  light  material 
and  without  lining,  as  weight  is  especially  to  be 
avoided. 

There  is  no  difficulty  in  doing  this  in  summer,  and 
even  in  winter  the  choice  of  light  woolens  renders  it 
an  easy  matter  to  find  a  suitable  fabric. 

An  extra  petticoat  can  be  buttoned  on  the  under 
waist  if  desired.     Two  soft  light  skirts  are  much 


WRAPPERS — OUT   DOOR  GARMENTS 


147 


warmer  than  one  heavy  one.  Air  is  a  non-conductor 
and  that  entangled  between  them  serves  to  keep  in 
the  warmtii. 

WRAPPERS 

A  Mother  Hubbard  wrapper  with  a  lorg  full  skirt 
falling  from  a  yoke  is  the  most  effectual  disguise, 
1)11^  this  is  not  suitable  to  wear  outside  the  bedroom, 
except  in  the  morning. 

A  loose  wrapper  is  an  indispensable  adjunct  to  the 
toilet.  Cotton  ones  make  cool  morning  dresses  in 
summer.  The  back  can  be  confined  by  two  straps 
coming  from  the  side  seams  and  crossing  behind,  oi 
he  jj^athered  into  a  band,  but  tlie  fronts  should  be  al- 
lowed to  hang  straia;ht  and  loose  without  a  belt. 

OUT   DOOR  GARMENTS 

As  exercise  in  the  open  air  is  so  important  to  the 
expectant  mother,  the  out  door  garments  require  con- 
sideration. 

The  maturity  dross  that  has  been  described  is 
nuide  a  w^alking  length  and  looks  very  well  in  the 
street. 

The  shape  of  the  outside  wrap  must  be  governeil 
to  some  extent  by  the  prevailing  fashion.  Anything 
deviating  very  widely  from  it  would  only  call  at- 
tention to  the  wearer  by  making  her  conspicuous  and 
attract  the  notice  she  wishes  to  avoid. 


148 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


I)  "■ 


A  hag  full  cloak,  gathered  into  a  yoke,  with  slits 
to  put  the  arms  through,  well  at  the  side  to  allow- 
plenty  of  fulness  in  front,  is  the  most  elfectii.'il 
shield  when  it  can  he  worn. 

A  tight  fitting  jacket  is  inadmissible.  A  variety 
of  the  dolman  wrap,  with  full  frontsand  the  peculiar 
half  sleeve  that  gives  this  fo.-.i  its  name,  is  very 
suitable. 

Wraps  should  always  be  long,  reai'hing  to  the 
knees,  and  fasten  down  the  front. 

An  ulster  with  loose  fronts  answers  the  purpose, 
but  cannot  be  worn  on  all  occasions. 

In  choosing  an  out  door  garment  the  restriction 
as  to  bands  about  the  waist  must  be  observed.  In  a 
half  fitting  garment  the  tight  back  is  often  held  in 
place  by  a  waist  strap,  and  such  must  be  rejected. 

Cloaks  reaching  belon'  the  knees  impede  free  motion 
to  a  certain  extent  and  render  walking  more  tiring. 

A  muffin  winter  is  a  useful  auxiliarv.  Theoiilv 
objection  to  it  is  that  its  use  re(piires  the  hands  to 
be  carried  stifHy  in  front  and  the  arms  bent.  Tlie 
best  position  for  them  in  walking  is  hanging  easily 
at  the  side,  free  to  swav  a  little  with  the  movements 
of  the  body. 

Fur  is  always  becominir,  when  it  can  be  worn, as  aw 
soft,  flufly  nuislins  and  hice  in  summer.  Anythinir 
tliat  breaks  the  severity  of  outline  is  advantageoi's 


COLOR — NIGHT    DRESS 


149 


COLOR 

It  should  be  remembered  tliat  black,  or  dark  col- 
ored, iiuiterials  decrease  the  apparent  size,  while 
white,  bright  tints  and  striking  shades  in  a  dress 
have  the  opposite  effect. 

The  expectant  mother  is  proud  of  the  distinction 
that  is  coming  to  her,  and  of  the  great  gift  in  store 
for  her.  She  should  not  be  foolishly  sensitive  as  to 
the  temporary  alteration  in  her  appearance,  yet  she 
does  not  wish  to  emphasize  it  needlessly.  Tliis  she 
can  avoid  by  a  little  attention  to  the  details  of  her 
attire. 

NIGHT   DRES3 

As  more  than  one-third  of  our  time  is  spent  in 
bed  the  night  dress  demands  a  little  attention. 

In  winter  one  of  Shaker  or  outing  flannel  will  be 
found  a  great  comfort.  The  com[)arative  warmth 
of  the  material  prevents  the  slightest  chill  from  the 
cold  sheets  on  getting  into  bed.  It  also  affords  pro- 
tection for  the  moment  before  the  dressing  gown  is 
slij)ped  on,  if  the  wearer  has  to  get  up  at  night. 

It  is  also  a  saving  in  laundry  work,  as  the  soft 
fabric  is  easily  washed  and  requires  no  starching. 

Should  these  not  be  worn,  it  is  well  to  have  a  bed 
jacket  of  the  same  material,  or  of  flannel  to  wear 
over  the  night  dress. 


150 


PREPARATION   FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


Delicate  persons  of  a  nervous  temperament  should 
husband  the  lieat  of  tlie  body,  preventing  its  escape 
by  sufficient  clothing.  Its  produ(;tion  is  a  tax  on 
the  nervous  energy  which  should  be  made  as  light 
as  possible. 

These  extra  jackets  are  advisable  even  in  summer, 
except  in  intensely  hot  weather. 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  BABY^S  WARDROBE 


To  the  young  mother  the  wardrobe  that  is  to  be 
pr('j)ared  for  the  new  comer  is  a  matter  of  much  more 
serious  consideration  than  her  own. 

Those  who  are  about  to  become  mothers  not  for 
the  first  time  usually  have  a  certain  number  of  baby 
clothes  laid  by,  if  not  a  complete  outfit.  At  least 
they  have  some  experience  and  a  good  idea  of  what 
will  be  required. 

They  have,  too,  an  oj)portunity  to  remedy  mis- 
takes in  the  past  and  can  supplemerit  thedeficMcncies 
tlioy  painfully  remember  in  their  earlier  prepara- 
tions. 

The  young  expectant  mother  has  no  such  resources. 
Very  often  she  has  the  vaguest  possible  idea  of  what 
will  be  needed,  is  far  from  her  mother  or  an  ex- 
perienced friend,  and  does  not  like  to  make  her 
w^ants  known,  nor  to  ask  for  the  advice  she  requires. 

She  may  take  comfort  in  the  knowledge  that  ama- 
teur advice  on  this  point  is  often  misleading.     By 

(loi) 


152 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


using  her  own  common  sense  and  modifying  the  di- 
rections given  here  according  to  her  circumstances 
and  requirements,  she  will  have  a  more  satisfactory 
supply  of  useful  apparel  for  her  baby  than  if  she 
had  tried  to  harmonize  the  conflicting  usages  of 
different  advisers. 

Fashion  has  made  many  changes  in  the  garb 
of  the  modern  baby  and  for  once  her  dictates  are  (u 
the  side  of  health  and  comfort.  Warmth  ami 
freedom  are  the  two  essentials  in  latter  dav  bal)v 
clothes,  and  the  young  mother  loses  nothing  but 
gains  much  by  not  following  older  customs. 

The  chilly  linen  shirt,  trimmed  with  thread  lace, 
but  with  no  protection  for  neck  and  arms,  has  been 
superseded  by  the  high-necked  long-sleeved  Jersey, 
elastic  yet  close  fitting. 

The  tight  bands  are  gone.  The  long  skills, 
encumbering  the  tiny  atom  of  humanity  with  tli(  ir 
weight  and  stiffness,  have  followed  them  and  luxuri- 
ous ease  is  the  result. 

Baby  things  must  be  made  with  extreme  neatness 
or  they  do  not  look  well.  If  the  mother  can  fashion 
the  dainty  little  garments  herself  and  knows  how  to 
purchase  the  materials  judiciously,  it  is  cheaper  to 
make  than  to  buy  them. 

When  a  seamstress  has  to  be  employed  the  ready- 
made  clothing  is  the  less  expensive. 


PATTERNS — S  A  MPLES 


153 


PATTERNS 

The  accurate  paper  patterns  that  can  be  obtained 
make  the  task  a  comparatively  easy  one  even  for  the 
novice,  provided  she  can  sew  neatly  either  by  hand 
or  on  the  sewing  machine. 

Tlie  exact  qnantity  of  material  required  is  stated 
ami  also  the  amount  of  embroiderv,  or  whatever 
triinniing  is  used. 

These  patterns  have,  as  a  rule,  one  fault,  the 
skirts  are  too  long.  Thirty  inches  from  neck  to 
h(Mn  is  an  ample  length  for  slips  and  dresses,  under- 
skirts being  two  inches  shorter. 

In  cutting  out  skirts  a  fold  should  be  taken  in 
the  middle  of  the  length  of  the  pattern,  shortening 
tlicui  as  much  as  is  necessary.  Tliis  avoids  making 
them  too  narrow  around  the  bottom,  as  would  be  the 
case  were  it  simply  cut  off.  The  sides  of  the 
pattern  can  be  folded  under  to  the  proper  slope. 

The  label  on  the  pattern  states  the  kind  of 
material  that  is  suitable  for  the  garment  to  be 
made  by  it,  so  that  even  the  inexperienced  cannot 
go  far  astray  in  her  choice. 

The  Gertrude  patterns,  and  other  good  ones,  can  be 
obtained  from  the  Butterick  Publishing  Company, 
in  New  York  City. 

SAMPLES 

A  written    request  to  any  large  dry  goods  firm 


154 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


will  bring  a  selection  of  samples  in  as  many  dif- 
ferent materials  as  is  desired,  and  from  these  it 
is  easy  to  make  a  selection. 

Parcels  under  four  pounds  in  weight  can  be  son! 
by  mail,  so  that  distance  from  the  groat  shopping 
centres,  or  inaccessibility  to  express  companies  is  no 
longer  a  serious  drawback  to  procuring  as  good 
an  outfit  as  can  be  obtained  in  a  large  city. 


READY    MADE   CLOTHING 

When  it  is  desired  to  purchase  the  clothing  ready 
made  it  is  best  to  send  for  a  catalogue  to  a  large  firm 
that  deals  in  baby  clothes. 

There  is  a  great  variety  of  style  and  price  and 
from  this  garments  can  be  chosen  of  any  degree  of 
luxuriousness.  The  simpler  ones  are  often  more 
dainty  than  the  elaborate  ones.  Simplicity  is  (s- 
specially  to  be  sought  in  the  baby's  belongings. 
The  absence  of  ornament  is  compensated  for  by  the 
fineness  of  the  material  and  the  neatness  of  the 
work. 

It  is  best  to  select  separately  the  things  that 
are  needed.  Many  articles  not  really  required  arc 
included  in  the  layette  furnished  at  the  shops,  while 
there  is  a  paucity  of  some  of  the  more  necessary 
ones. 

It  is  sometimes  possible  to  make  the  undercloth- 


NUxMBEK   OF   GARMENTS 


155 


inir,  or  some  of  the  pluiiicr  garments,  at  liome,  even 
when  the  dresses  have  to  be  [)urehas('(l.  Yokes  and 
sleeves  ean  be  bought  ready  made  and  it  is  not 
a  (hffieult  matter  to  add  the  skirt  to  eomplete  the 
dress. 

It  is  well  to  begin  work  on  the  outfit  in  good 
time.  The  later  months  may  bring  a  disinelination 
or  inability  to  work. 

Aceident  sometimes  hastens  the  birth,  then  it  is  a 
great  satisfaction  to  know  that  everything  is  ready 
and  all  the  preparations  completed. 

Working  on  the  sewing  machine  is  not  a  very 
beneficial  form  of  exercise  for  the  expectant  mother 
and  as  little  of  it  as  possible  should  be  done  with  a 
treadle  ma(;hine.  Hand  work  is  infinitely  prefer- 
able, if  it  is  neatly  sewed.  It  always  commands  an 
extra  price  in  ready  made  garments. 


NUMBER   OF   GARMENTS 

The  facilities  for  having  washing  and  ironing 
done  when  it  is  desired  make  some  difference  in  the 
amount  of  clothing  it  is  necessary  to  provide.  Those 
who  have  this  labor  performed  at  home  and  are  sure 
of  being  able  to  obtain  clean  garments  whenever 
they  are  required  do  not  need  as  large  a  stock 
as  those  who  must  depend  upon  a  distant  laundress. 

To  be  stinted  in  baby  clothes  means  that   it  is 


156 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


almost  i  111  possible  to  koop  the  baby  fresli  and  swoot. 
Kvervtliiiii!;    .should    be    sacrificed    to    this.     Wlicn 
the  means  are  small  the  saviiiiir  should  be  e[F(!cted  in 
the  quality  of  the  material    or  in  the  absence  of 
trimminn;;,  not  in  the  number  of  pirments  ])rovid(d. 

The  following  list  is  based  upon  the  suppositi(»n 
that  the  clothes  can  be  returned  from  the  laiuidiv 
punctually  once  a  week. 

It  ma\  be  added  to  at  will,  but  should  not  be  much 
curtailed,  unless  the  facilities  for  washing  and  iron- 
ing are  exceptionally  good,  or  the  need  of  economy 
is  very  urgent. 

CLOTHING 


3  bands 

4  shirts 

6  petticoats 
48  napkir^ 
6  night  slips 
8  dresses 


2  wrappers 
12  pair  socks 

3  blankets 
2  cloaks 

2  hoods 

18  bibs 


!  i 


Bands.  When  linen  shirts  were  worn,  bands 
were  an  important  part  of  the  wardrobe,  afford! nir 
warmth  and  protection  to  tlu^  abdomen.  They  were 
usually  pinned  too  tight  and  did  harm  in  that  way. 
It  is  no  more  necessary  to  bandage  a  young  baby 
than  a  young  colt. 

It  is  true  there  are  weak  points  in  the  abdominal 


CLOTHING 


157 


walls,  but  tlie  unyielding  bandage,  as  it  is  usually 
applied,  forces  the  intestines  down  against  these 
when  the  child  cries  and  actually  increases  the  dan- 
ger  of  rupture,  which  it  was  meant  to  guard  against. 

Now  that  the  use  of  the  soft,  warm  Jersey  shirt 
is  almost  univer.-al,  the  band  is  only  required  for 
a  few  days  to  keep  the  dressing  in  place  and 
care  should  be  taken  not  to  put  it  on  too  tightly. 

Three  strips  of  soft  flannel  about  live  inches  wide, 
by  twenty-four  long,  torn  off  and  not  finished  in 
any  way  are  all  that  is  needed. 

They  can  be  sewed  on  if  desired,  but  small  safety 
pins  answer  very  well  practically  to  fasten  them  and 
are  much  less  trouble.  They  should  be  put  in 
at  the  side  so  the  baby  will  not  be  compelled  to  lie 
on  them. 

In  leaving  off  the  bands  a  strip  should  be  torn 
off  every  day,  not  to  make  the  change  too  sudden. 

r^}\\\'U.  As  a  shirt  has  to  be  worn  at  night 
as  well  as  durin<>:  the  dav,  four  will  be  found  none 
too  many.  The  ribbed  cashmere,  Saxony  or  Jersey, 
liiii'h  necked,  long  sleeved  and  opening  down  the 
front  are  the  best.  They  cost  from  forty-five  to 
seventy-five  cents  each.  As  the  first  small  ones  are 
soon  outgrown  the  less  expensive  quality  answers 
very  well. 

If  it  is  desired  to  make  them,  the  Butterick  shirt 


158 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


pattern  No.  7004  is  a  very  good  one.  Cotton  and 
wool,  or  silk  and  wool  flannel,  slionld  be  nscd.  as  it 
shrinks  mncli  less  in  wasliing  than  the  all  wool 
material.  The  seams  should  be  laid  flat  and  the 
edges  eatstitehed.  If*  desired,  the  neek,  sleeves 
and  bottom  of  the  shirt  can  be  bound  with  flaunt  1 
binding,  which  washes  better  than  ribbon. 

A  skilful  knitter  can  knit  little  shirts  that  arc 
very  prrit^  and  dainty  and  answer  the  purpose 
admirably.  A  baby  ribbon  of  pink  or  blue  should 
be  run  in  at  the  neck  and  wrists. 

After  putting  on  the  shirt  it  should  be  fastened 
with  a  safety  pin  to  the  napkin  in  front  to  prevent 
its  riding  up. 

Some  mothers  prefer  a  flannel  slip  instead  of 
a  shirt.  This  can  be  made  by  the  night  slip  i)attern, 
cutting  it  a  little  narrower  and  lower  in  the  neck. 

The  disadvantage  of  this  garment  is  that  if  it 
accidently  gets  wet  the  baby  nuist  be  undress((l 
to  remove  it.  This  accident  is  not  likely  to  luij)- 
pen  with  a  short  shirt.  It  does  not  cling  as  closely 
and  hence  is  not  as  warm  as  a  cashmere  shirt. 

In  dressing  the  baby  it  is  convenient  to  'it  tli 
sleeves  of  the  different  garments  in  one  .icrand 

so  put  them  on  as  one  article.  In  i  case  the 
shirt  may  be  fastened  behind.  The  bal)y  s  idom 
objects  to  lying  face  downwards  while  its  clothes  are 


SSj* 


CLOTHING 


159 


luMUii^tiecl  and  it  saves  niiich  truuble  to  get  them  all 
oil  with  one  motion. 

A  baby  dislikes,  anil  very  reasonably,  beinj^ 
turned  and  twisted  abont  while  it  is  being  dressed 
uiul  often  gets  cross  and  cries  before  the  operation  is 
completed. 

Pcfdcoats.  A  sleeveless  flannel  slip  is  preferable 
to  :i  petticoat  nntil  the  baby  is  three  or  four  months 
old.  It  gives  more  freedom  to  the  body  than  a 
regular  petticoat,  as  it  is  impossible  to  draw  it  tight 
around  the  waist. 

As  it  takes  the  place  of  the  old-fashioned  pinning 
i)lanket,  or  harrow  coat,  it  is  well  to  have  the 
l)ottom  turned  up  and  loosely  buttoned  for  added 
warmth  to  the  little  feet.  Care  should  be  taken  not 
to  have  it  too  tight  to  impede  their  motion.  It 
should  be  thirty-three  inches  long  from  neck  to 
liem.  This  allows  four  inches  to  turn  up.  This  is 
the  length  when  finished  and  does  not  in(dude 
the  hem  before  it  is  turned,  which  must  be  allowed 
for. 

It  can  be  made  from  the  night  slip  pattern,  omit- 
ting the  sleeves  and  cutting  it  lower  in  the  neck. 
The  arm  holes  and  neck  can  be  bound  with  flannel 
binding  and  the  seams  laid  flat  and  catstitched. 
Ridges  at  the  seams  should  be  avoided  in  a  baby's 

Cloti  .Qg. 


U]0 


PREPAKATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


If  a  regular  petticoat  is  preferred,  the  Butterick 
pattern  7801  is  a  good  one  to  use.  It  lias  a  slit 
on  one  side  of  tlie  waist  through  which  one  end  ot' 
the  waistl)and  sh'ps,  permitting  it  to  be  drawn 
around  and  tied  in  front.  Pins  vshould  not  he 
put  in  a  baby's  clotliing  when  it  can  be  avoid* d. 
There  are  straps  over  the  siioulders,  though  this  i.s  not 
of  so  much  importance  in  the  skirts  of  a  tiny  babv 
who  spends  most  of  its  time  lying  down.  If  it  is 
desired  to  use  pinning  blankets  for  the  first  two 
months  they  can  be  made  by  pattern  number  7801, 
which  has  a  waist  with  slit  in  the  side  and  shoulder 
straps. 

The  petticoats  should  be  made  of  flannel  if  an- 
other slip  is  not  worn.  The  "waist  should  be  of  tlio 
same  material,  or  of  outing  flannel,  for  the  winter 
l)abv.  In  summer  Lonsdale  muslin  mav  be  used  {or 
this  purpose. 

Silk  and  wool  flannel  costs  from  sixty-five  cents 
to  a  dollar  a  yard.  The  more  expensive  quality  is 
beautifully  fine  and  can  be  used  for  a  cloak,  or 
wrapper.  The  cotton  and  wool  flannel  can  \)v 
))urchased  for  about  thirty-five  cents  a  yard,  and  is 
equally  serviceable  for  underclothes.  The  only 
advantage  of  the  former  is  its  added  daintiness. 

If  it  is  desired  to  have  the  petticoats  especially 
ornamental,  flannel  can  be  purchased  by  the  yard 


CLOTHING 


161 


with  a  broad  hem  on  one  side  surmounted  by  a  row 
of  hemstitching,  or  a  delicate  vine  of  leaves  and 
flowers,  or  shamrocks,  or  polha  dots,  done  in  silk, 
forming  a  pretty  border.  The  length  of  the  gar- 
ment is  cut  from  the  width  of  the  material. 

They  are  very  pretty  at  first,  but  lose  their  fresh- 
ness after  repeated  washing. 

There  is  an  art  in  washing  the  bal)y's  flannel  be- 
lonu'inii^s  which  it  is  well  for  the  voung  mother  to 
know  if  she  has  to  do  it  herself,  or  direct  the  work, 
and  wishes  them  to  keep  their  beauty. 

Dissolve  a  few  shavings  of  Ivory  soap  in  warm 
water,  not  too  hot,  wash  the  articles  in  this,  pressing 
and  rubbing  them  gently,  but  not  wringing  them  to 
pull  them  out  of  shape. 

Rinse  them  in  water  of  the  same  temperature, 
neither  hotter  nor  colder.  Shake  them  until  par- 
tially dry  and  complete  the  process  by  hanging  them 
in  the  sun,  or  near  the  fire,  that  it  may  be  a  rapid 
un(>.     Iron  them  imniediately. 

Using  water  of  the  same  temperature  and  dry- 
in<i;  quickly  are  the  secrets  of  success. 

(Jarments  that  are  knitted  or  crocheted  wring  in  a 
towel.  Press  them  into  the  proper  shape,  laying 
them  flat  on  a  folded  towel  or  napkin,  pin  them  so 
they  cannot  slu'ink  and  lay  them  over  the  regis- 
ter, or  in  a  warm  place,  to  dry  quickly. 
11 


U)2 


PRKPA RATION    FOR   MOTIIERMOOD 


If  a  little  bluiiiir  is  adtled  to  the  last  water  it 
gives  theni  a  bluish  tinge  and  prevents  iheii  lookinir 
yellow. 

If  it  is  wished  to  make  a  long  underskirt  to  wear 
with  the  christening  dress,  or  festival  robe,  with 
which  most  babies  are  provided,  this  same  pattciii 
can  be  used. 

Cambric  or  lawn,  hemstitched^  jr  tucked  on  one 
side,  can  be  procured  and  saves  much  trouble.  A 
narrow  edge  of  embroidery  can  be  added  at  tlio 
bottom  if  desired,  but  the  simpler  trimming  is  i.i 
better  taste. 

NapJdns.  The  best  rriaterial  for  the  napkins  of  a 
young  baby  is  an  old  linen  table  cloth  or  table  nap- 
kins; this  linen  is  soft  and  absorbent-  Not  everv 
one  is  fortunate  enough  to  have  a  store  of  old  house 
linen  on  hand  to  meet  this  requirement,  and  per- 
haps the  next  best  is  linen  diaper,  which  is  sold  l»y 
the  piece  at  varying  prices  from  $1.10  upwaxis. 
That  costing  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  is  a  good  quality 
for  the  purpose.  Each  piece  contains  about  \vu 
yards. 

It  must  be  soaked  for  two  days  and  wa-lmi 
several  times  until  every  particle  of  stiffness  is 
removed  and  it  as  soft  as  an  old  pocket  handker- 
chief. 

Cotton  diaper  is  less  expensiv^    .ind  has  the  iid- 


CLOTHING 


183 


vantage  of  being  thicker.  It  should  be  treated  in 
the  same  way. 

Pads  have  done  away  with  one  of  the  former 
ohjoc'tions  to  the  linen  diaper,  that  it  was  too 
thin  to  be  useful,  as  they  absorb  much  of  the 
mol.sture. 

Stockinet,  such  as  undershirts  are  made  from,  is 
an  excellent  material  for  this  use.  Unfortunately 
it  is  difficult  to  purchase  it  at  retail.  No  doubt 
if  it  were  more  often  inquired  for  it  would  be  kept 
on  sale,  at  least  in  some  of  the  larger  store.^.  A 
good  quality,  about  a  yard  wide,  costs  thirty-five 
cents  a  yard.  It  is  soft  and  absorbent,  but  does  not 
wear  as  well  as  a  firmer  fabric.  Old  undershirts 
could  be  utilized  when  they  are  to  be  had. 

Ready-made  stockinet  napkins  can  be  procured  at 
the  large  establishments  where  baby  clothes  are 
sold.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  confound  them 
with  stockinet  diaper,  which  have  a  coating  of  rub- 
ber on  one  side,  fatal  to  the  tender  skin. 

Canton  flannel,  cotton  flannel  or  swansdown,  as  it 
is  called  indifferently,  is  another  good  material,  with 
the  requisite  qualities.  Though  it  is  rather  thick 
and  clumsy  for  the  first  nai)kins  it  answers  ad- 
tnirablv  for  the  laro;er  ones  that  will  be  needed 
later  on. 

It  can  be  procured  in  different  grades  and  at  vari- 


164 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


Oils  prices.  That  costing  seven  cents  a  yard  is  bet- 
ter than  the  more  ex])ensive,  as  it  is  not  so  apt  to  get 
hard  in  washinir. 

Eighteen-inch  squares  are  large  enough  for  the  first 
napkins  and  twenty-five  inclies  for  the  second  size. 
If  it  is  decided  to  make  only  the  larger  ones  tluv 
can  he  folded  twice  while  the  baby  is  little.  It  is 
well  to  make  two  dozen  of  the  smaller  size  and  tliiee 
of  the  larger.  When  only  the  latter  are  providid, 
four  dozen  is  sufficient. 

In  putting  on  the  na})kins,  if  one  is  found  inade- 
quate it  can  be  supplemented  with  another  pinned 
around  the  hips  but  not  drawn  up  in  front. 

To  the  inexperienced  it  sounds  droll  to  speuk  of 
a  pattern  for  napkins,  but  impi'ovements  have  Decn 
introduced  i'  to  this  part  of  the  baby's  attire  as  wdl 
as  into  every  other. 

An  elliptical  piece  is  cut  from  the  centre  of  eaeli, 
rendering  it  equally  effective  and  much  less  clumsy. 

Fold  the  eighteen-inch  square  to  a  triangle,  this 
measures  across  the  folded  part  twenty-five  inelies. 
Lay  a  plait  in  it  so  that  it  only  measures  twenty 
inches.  Let  this  gradually  ta])er  down  until  tliereis 
no  fold  \vhen  the  'points  are  reached.  Taking  a 
needle  and  thread  baste  along  this  seam,  slipping  the 
hand  underneath  the  fold  not  to  catch  the  under 
part  with  the  needle.     When  the  middle  is  reaeli^d 


CLOTHING 


165 


turn  the  triangle  gently  over  and  continue  the  bast- 
iiio-  down  the  other  side  to  the  oj)p()site  j)oint. 
Spread  the  square  on  the  table  and  cut  out  the  fold. 
The  piece  removed  will  be  shaped  tlius  Q,  and  can  be 
Used  as  a  pattern  to  cut  the  others  by. 

Stitch  the  seam  neatly.  When  the  napkin  is 
made  double  the  seams  can  be  inside.  Otherwise 
they  can  be  folded  inside  when  it  is  put  on. 

This  is  a  specially  desirable  pattern  for  the  larger 
napkins,  as  they,  being  thicker,  are  more  clumsy  than 
the  smaller  ones. 

A  square  of  thick  flannel  cut  in  this  way  can  be 
uj^ed  as  an  extra  protection  at  night,  or  when  addi- 
tional security  fi'om  the  moisture  penetrating  to  the 
surface  is  required  during  the  day.  The  point  need 
nut  be  drawn  uj)  between  the  legs. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  change  a  baby  at  night  alter 
it  is  fed  for  the  last  time.  If  the  covering  is 
thick  enough  to  absorb  the  wet  so  that  the  clothing 
will  not  become  (hunp,  no  harm  is  done.  In  fact,  a 
hahy  taken  from  a  warm  crib  and  inducted  into  f'old 
napkins  in  a  cool  atmosphere  is  much  more  likely 
to  take  cold  than  one  let  alone. 

There  will  be  no  chaling  it' the  skin  is  sound  and 
whole.  Should  it  thrcaiuii  neolcct  have  become 
I'hated,  cover  the  abraded  surface  with  a  piece  of  soft 


mmsBmammmmmmmmmm 


166 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


linen  rag  spread  with  cold  cream,  vaseline,  or  mut- 
ton tallow,  so  that  tlie  wet  cannot  penetrate  to  it. 

Rubber  diapers  nev.'r  should  be  used.  The 
dampness,  unable  to  escape,  acts  upon  the  tender 
skin  as  a  poultice,  making  it  sore  in  a  very  short 
time.  Those  of  oiled  silk,  oiled  muslin,  oi*  any 
impervious  material,  have  the  same  effect.  They 
may  save  a  little  trouble  in  the  beginning,  but  they 
cause  a  thousand  times  more  in  the  end  tlian  is 
involved  in  changing  all  the  clothing,  were  tluit 
necessary  as  a  cousequence  of  not  using  them. 

A  napkin  may  be  used  twice,  but  it  is  bettir 
not  to  use  it  more  than  once  without  its  being 
washed.  When  the  moisture  evaporates  a  solid  de- 
posit is  left  behind,  invisible  to  the  naked  eye, 
but  irritating  to  the  delicate  skin  of  a  baby. 

If.  put  on  a  second  time  they  should  uot  Ix 
dried  before  using  in  the  room  where  the  baby  is. 
The  open  air  is  the  safest  j)lace  in  fine  weather. 
and  if  possible  they  should  be  hung  where  the 
sun  will  shine  on  them.  When  brought  in  they 
must  be  warmed  before  using. 


PADS 


These  will  not  prevent  the  napkin  from  becoming 
wet,  but  they  will  j)revent  its  being  unpleasantly 
soiled  and  they  relieve  the  washing  of  its  most  disa- 


NIGHT   SLIPS 


167 


ITlUt- 
il. 

Tlic 
endcr 

r   any 
They 
t  they 
ban  is 
■e    that 

l^ctter 
1  beiiui 
plid  ih- 
id   eve, 

not     he 

)al)y  i-. 

Ivcatlici'. 

•re    the 

lin  tlu'V 


icomiiig 
?asaiuly 
)St  ilisu- 


greeable  feature.     When   removed   they  are  folded 
together  and  put  in  the  fire. 

Tliey  are  six  inches  square  and  are  best  made  of 
clieese  cloth,  that  has  been  washed  to  remove  the 
harshness,  and  a  laver  of  thick  absorbent  cotton. 
When  this  is  not  to  be  had,  one  or  two  thicknesses  of 
soft,  old  cotton  mav  be  laid  between  the  cheese  cloth 
covers,  or  even  a  square  of  soft,  un printed  paper. 
An  old  pocket  handkerchief  answers  very  well  for 
the  outside  covering.  One  of  ordinary  size  will 
cover  two  pads. 

It  is  only  necessary  that  the  side  placed  next 
the  baby  should  be  soft,  the  other  may  be  left  un- 
C(/vercd  if  there  is  a  scarcity  of  material.  An  un- 
liniited  number  may  be  made,  as  they  are  useful  for 
a  lonn;  time. 

When  they  can  be  obtained,  pieces  of  old  cotton, 
or  linen,  can  be  folded  square  and  used  as  ])ads.  If 
they  are  only  wet,  not  soiled,  they  can  be  washed  and 
iistnl  again.  If  the  laundry  bill  has  to  be  kept  down, 
it  is  cheaper  to  burn  them. 

NIGHT  SUPS 

These  may  be  used  as  night  dresses  also  during  the 
first  month.  A  young  baby  spends  so  nuich  of  its 
time  in  sleep  the  simplest  dress  is  the  best. 

The  little  shirt,  flannel  slip  and  (•and)ric  slip  are 


168 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


^vorn  at  niglit  as  in  the  day.  It  is  not  necossarv 
(luring  the  first  four  weeks  to  undress  the  baby  in 
the  evening,  unless  there  is  some  speeial  reason  for 
doing  so. 

It  is  well  to  turn  it  over  on  the  lap,  pass  the  warm 
hand  gently  under  the  loose  clothing  and  rub  tlic 
back  and  abdomen. 

The  night  slips  may  be  made  of  Lonsdide  muslin 
costing;  about  sixteen  cents  a  vard.  It  is  well  to 
have  them  jierfectly  plain,  without  a  yoke ;  a  good 
pattern  is  the  Butterick  one  for  an  infant's  night 
gown,  number  4902. 

In  winter,  or  in  a  cold  climate,  the  night  slips  can 
be  made  of  Shaker  or  outing  flannel  by  the  same 
pattern,  and  turned  up  at  the  bottom  and  buttouid 
to  keep  the  feet  warm.  This  object  is  perhaps  more 
easilv  effected  bv  runniu";  a  di-awiuii'  strino-  in  the 
hem  and  tying  the  lower  part  of  the  night  gown  like 
a  bag. 

These  sli])s  are  more  suitable  for  use  after  tl 
baby  is  three  months  old  than  for  a  very  youn^- 
child.  The  flannel  under  slip,  or  petticoat,  keej)s 
the  feet  warm  until  it  is  discarded. 


!(' 


DRESSES 

There  are  so  many  ])retty  patterns  for  a  babv's 
dresses  that  the  only  difficulty  is  to  choose  between 


DRESSES 


169 


tiieni.  The  Butterick  slip  pattern  number  7(S0o  has 
a  roiiiid  yoke  and  is  a  8ini})le  and  pretty  one.  A 
pattern  tor  a  yoke  of  a  different  shape  with  sleeves, 
niinil)er  7049,  ean  be  obtained  for  ten  eents.  Wit!i 
these  as  guides  the  ingenious  needlewoman  ean  vary 
the  shape  of  the  yokes  at  will.  They  may  be  round, 
pointed,  or  square,  joined  plainly  to  the  skirt,  or 
I'dircd  with  a  narrow  ruffle  of  embroidery. 

The  yoke  may  be  made  with  clusters  of  narrow 
tucks  and  feather  stitched  between  them,  or  with 
hands  of  insertion  separated  by  tucks,  or  tucked 
without  any  other  ornament. 

It  is  well  to  remember  not  to  put  even  a  narrow 
ediic  of  Hamburg  around  the  throat  as  it  is  apt  to 
scratch  the  tender  skin.  An  edging  of  lace  can  be 
siihhtituted  for  it. 

'fncking  can  be  bought  by  the  yard  and  the  yoke 
(lit  from  it.  Machine-made  feather  stitching,  narrow 
hraid  with  a  design  to  represent  feather  stitching 
woven  on  it,  can  be  purchased  by  the  piece. 

As  has  been  mentioned,  ready  made  yokes  with 
sleeves  can  be  obtained  and  the  skirts  added  to  them. 

Nainsook  muslin,  costing  from  twenty-five  to 
seventy-five  cents  a  yard,  Victoria  lawn  and  Lons- 
dale cambric  of  fine  quality,  from  twenty  eents  to 
twenty-five  cents  a  yard,  are  the  favorite  materials 
lor  babies'  dresses. 


170 


I'REPA RATION    F()U   MOTHERHOOD 


The  two  former  can  be  had  witli  a  deep  hem- 
stitched hem  on  one  side  of  the  material.  This  makes 
a  pretty  finish  to  the  bottom  of  the  skirt.  A  narrow 
band  of  thick  embroidery,  h'aves  and  a  vine  in  satin 
stitch,  may  be  worked  above  it  if  desired,  or  a  chistcr 
of  tiny  tucks  added.  Deep  (►pen  work  embroidery  is 
no  hunger  considered  necessary  as  a  trimming  for  the 
skirt. 

Valenciennes  is  the  lace  tliat  has  long  been  appro- 
priated to  babies.  The  real  is  expensive  if  much  is 
used.     A  fine  Torchon  wears  very  well. 

When  a  mother  has  to  do  her  own  work  aixl 
must  husband  her  strength  she  will  find  it  a  great 
saving  to  have  the  little  dresses  of  Shaker  or  outiiiu; 
flannel.  They  are  much  more  easy  to  wash  tiian 
the  cambric  ones,  re(piire  no  starching  and  hence  can 
be  ironed  with  a  third  of  the  i)ains  that  must  be  ex- 
pended to  make  the  others  look  well. 

They  are  not  quite  as  dainty  as  the  pure  white 
folds,  but  they  can  be  made  very  pretty  with  tucks 
and  feather  stitching  done  in  cream  wasliing  silk, 
and  the  gain  to  the  overtasked  mother  is  very 
great. 

The  best  dress  may  be  of  cream  cashmere  as  this 
Avashes  well.  No  one  who  has  not  tried  the  effect 
can  imagine  how  pretty  a  cashmere  yoke  is,  made 
with  clusters  of  narrow  tucks  with  a  feather  stitch- 


DRESSES 


171 


'wvj:  (lone  in  oroaiii  silk  hotwccii  tlicm.  Tt  almost 
reconciles  one  to  the  loss  of  delicate  nmslin.  The 
sleevi'S  can  be  laced  with  the  material  and  shirred 
at  the  wrist. 

W  hen  it  ean  be  afforded  a  handsome  robe  is 
usually  provided,  to  be  worn  only  on  state  oecasions. 

Sucli  are  sometimes  handed  down  tor  several  gen- 
erations. I  know  of  one  that  has  served  for  two 
and  is  being  earefnlly  preserved  for  a  third,  while 
no  doubt  there  are  others  much  older.  The  young 
mother  does  not  know  that  hers  mav  not  be  betjin- 
ning  a  long  career  of  usefulness  and  so  wants  to  have 
it  as  dainty  as  her  means  will  permit. 

Fineness  of  material  and  delicacy  of  embroid- 
ering  and  general  workmanship  should  be  songlit 
for  rather  than  an  overabundance  of  coarser  eni- 
hi'oidery. 

If  the  expectant  mother  is  a  skilful  needlewoman 
she  will  like  to  make  it  herself;  if  not,  it  had  better 
he  ]Mirchased.  The  skirt  should  be  ten  inches  longer 
than  the  ordinary  dresses,  as  the  weiixht  will  not  be 
injurious  for  the  short  time  it  is  worn. 

A  long  lawn  under  skirt  should  be  provided  to  go 
with  it. 

The  young  mother  who  inherits  a  family  heirloom 
of  this  nature  usually  finds  that  it  is  made  with  low 
neck  and  short  sleeves.     She  is  afraid  of  her  baby 


172 


IMIKPA RATION    FOn    MOTHERHOOD 


tjilviiig  cold  wlion  airay<'(l  in  it  for  tlio  cliristcnin^'^ 
or  some  ceremonial  occasion.  This  can  he  avoid-  <! 
hy  pnttini;  on  one  of  the  evervdav  (h'esses,  with  a 
])retty  yoke  and  sleeves,  under  tlie  state  rohe,  to  lu(4< 
like  a  <ijnimj)e. 

In  these  precious  ji^arments  the  slip   is  sometinio 
of  silk  and  the  overdress  of  lace. 


!  \ 


STUDS 

When  makino;  the  ordinary  dresses  it  is  well  to 
remember  that  it  is  prettier  to  close  the  back  with 
studs  than  with  buttons.  They  can  be  obtained  in 
every  variety  of  design,  from  jewelled  ones  far  be- 
yond the  reach  of  the  ordinary  purse  to  ivory  ones 
costiiific  only  a  few  cents. 

Three  are  necessary  and  they  are  safer  when  liid<td 
together  \yith  a  slender  chain.  Uidess  the  settinu; 
is  a  tiny  turquoise,  or  ])earl,  jewels  seem  inappro- 
priate for  a  baby.  The  little  gold,  or  silver,  hearts 
are  a  favorite  design.  The  f  )rmer  cost  about  tlncc 
dollars  and  a  half  a  set. 

Studs  of  course  involve  a  double  number  of  but- 
ton holes.  Those  who  dislike  making  them  \\'\\\ 
prefer  the  little  gold,  or  silver,  safety  pins  that  an- 
swer the  purpose  ecpially  well.  These  also  are  united 
by  a  chain.  Plain  silver  ones  can  be  had  for  t^\o 
dollars  a  set.     They  look  like  small  bib  pins,  not 


II  1 


WRAPPEliS 


173 


ordinary  safety  pins,  though  these -too  are  for  sale 
ill  silver  and  gold.  A  doting  relative  sometimes 
^rives  one  to  fasten  the  napkin,  but  it  is  not  a  whit 
more  useful  than  the  humbler  nickle-plated  one. 


WRAPPERS 

These  are  an  indispensable  addition  to  the  baby's 
wardrobe.  They  are  made  either  perfeetly  plain,  or 
wiih  a  little  yoke.  The  Butterick  pattern  number 
4()7()  answers  for  the  first,  and  number  7231  for  the 
second. 

The  material  may  be  silk  and  wool  flannel,  opera 
flannel,  although  this  shrinks  when  washed,  Seotch 
llannel,  and  outing  or  Shaker  flannel.  The  latter 
nuikes  very  useful  garments.  Cashmere  is  pretty, 
hut  not  as  warm  as  the  other  fabries. 

The  yokes  may  be  tucked  and  feather  stitched,  or 
j)lain  with  rows  of  feather  stitching,  done  in  washing 
silk. 

When  made  without  a  vokc  the  fronts  can  be 
tucked  for  about  four  inches  from  the  neck,  or 
tiinimed  with  pointed  bands  of  the  material,  alt(?r- 
nately  three  and  four  inches  in  length,  extending 
I'l'om  the  neck  downwards,  each  band  being  feather 
stitched. 

It  may  be  a  help  to  the  inexperienced  to  know 
thut  the  material  should  be  tucked  first,  then  the 


174 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


pattern  laid  on  it  and  cut  out.     This  applies  to  yoke- 


as  \\ 


ell. 


The  wrappers  may  be  tied  in  front  with  libboii, 
or  fastened  with  buttons  and  button  holes.  The 
latter  is  more  sensible,  as  ribbons  sulfer  in  daily  u^c. 

The  sleeves  should  be  shirred  at  tiie  wrist.  It  is 
a  pretty  addition  if  ribbon  is  used  for  the  front  to  tie 
a  band  an  ineh  wide  around  the  shirrinii;,  the  bow 
with   short  ends   bein<r    on    the    outside.     This    is 


W 


d   wh 


iled,  1( 


the  sle( 


•eniov 
ffcctlv  finished  without  it. 

Wraj>pers  are  useful  to  slip  on  in  early  niorniiiu' 
when  the  night  slip  is  removed,  or  to  put  over  it  in 
cool  weather.  Babies  are  so  susceptible  to  cold  th;it 
they  have  to  be  guarded  against  it,  not  by  kcepiiii: 
them  shut  up  in  hot  rooms,  but  by  clothing  ti.eiii 
properly  and  letting  them  have  })lenty  of  fresh  air. 

SOCKS 

These  are  a  disputed  good  for  little  babies.  They 
keep  the  feet  warm,  whicli  is  an  important  gain,  l)iil 
they  are  apt  to  get  wet  and  have  to  be  tied  raiht  r 
closely  to  prevent  them  from  being  kicked  oil'. 
Tlie}  have  to  be  worn  as  soon  as  the  flainiel  slip  is 
no  longer  kept  closed  at  the  bottom,  so  it  is  as  W(  11 
to  begin  vvith  them. 

They  can  be  knitted  or  crocheted  of  white  zephyi\ 


til 


BT.AXKF.TS 


175 


and  j^touter  ones  of  Gerinantowii  wool.  TIic  little 
shoe  ]>art  of  the  foot  may  he  of  pink,  hlue,  pale 
vellow,  or  crimson.  Purple  is  the  color  of  irrjef,  al- 
though it  is  also  the  royal  shach^,  and  is  not  a[)pro- 
priate  for  a  baby's  belongings. 


'1 


inv  shoes 


to  be  used   iiistoad  of  socks,  mav  li 


{•isMonecl  of  stockinet — the  b(\st  part  of  ohl,  fine 
uiulerwear  answers  very  well  for  the  ])urpose — 
tlaniiel,  jersey  flannel,  or  eiderdown   tlannel.     They 

or  feather  stitched,  in 
ith 


an  he  daintilv  embroidered, 


tl 


le  same,  or  a  contrastniii"  coh>r,  with  washuiir  si 


The  JMitterick  jiattern  number  4257  shows  how  to 
cut  tliem  in  two  wavs. 

At  least  a  dozen  pairs  of  socks  are  neeossary,  as 
they  soil  quickly  and  wear  out  with  marvellous  rap- 
i(hty  under  the  ceaseless  movemcMits  of  the  litth^  feet. 

Crocheted  or  knitted  socks  can  be  })urchascd  for 


twcntv-fiv 


c'tus  a  j)an 


but 


cost  nuu 


•h    1 


ess    wnen 


th(y  are  mn<.^3  at   home.     Very  elaborate  ones   are 
sold  fl)r  I..25. 


BLANKETS 

These  are  neeessarv  to  wrai)  around  the  babv 
while  it  is  little.  At  least  some  protection  of  the 
kind  is  required. 

S>ft  white  knitted  shawls  mav  be  used,  but  thev 
are  more  clumsy  and  not  as  easib  washed.     I  once 


176 


PUKPAllATION    FOK   MOTHERHOOD 


saw  some  very  soft  fine  white  Shetland  shawls, 
with  a  thread  of  silk  woven  with  the  wool,  whi(  h 
were  exaetly  the  thint^  for  a  baby,  but  they  are  dilli- 
onlt  to  proeure. 

Very  fine  embroidered  blankets  of  cream  flanii.  1, 
worked  with  s})rays  of  flower's  and  leaves  in  satin 
stitch,  can  be  had  at  the  establishments  where  bahv 
clothes  are  sold.  They  cost  from  §2.50  to  §6.(l(). 
It  may  be  desirable  to  have  one  to  be  worn  witli  the 
state  dress,  but  simpler  ones  are  more  comfortable 
and  sensible  for  everyday  wear. 

A  square  of  silk  and  wool  flannel,  with  the  ed. 
scalloped  and  worked   with  washing  silk,  and   jx  r- 
haps  a  dot  in  the  centre  of  each  scallop,   mako  a 
dainty  blanket  sufficiently  nice  for  best. 

Cream,  pink,  or  blue,  eiderdown  flannel  witli  a 
two  inch  hem  stitched  in  silk  is  useful  and  easily 
washed. 

A  square  of  cotton  and  wool  flannel  with  a  Ikih 
of  the  same  deptli  hemmed  by  hand,  and  having  two, 
or  three,  rows  of  chain  stitch  in  silk  to  conceal  the 
hemming,  answers  v^ery  well. 

Flannel  blankets,  whether  simj^le  or  elaborate  in 
their  decorations,  must  yield  the  palm  for  comfort  to 
those  knitted  from  (Tcrmantown  wool.  Cream 
washes  the  best,  but  any  color  preferred  may  be 
used. 


JACKETS 


177 


■^ive  skoins  o 


f  tl 


ie  siiiiik'  wool  IS  rcnuiro 


C(l[l 


1 


aiKl  ii 


})iiir  of  rubber,  or  bone,  needles  a  quarter  of  an  ineli 
ill  diameter. 

Set  U])  128  stitehes,  knit  three  stitelies  plain  and 
tliive  ribbed,  or  purled,  across  the  lii'st  needle;  turn 
the  work  and  beginning  with  three  plain  stitches  re- 
peat as  in  the  first  row.     Always  begin    the    row 


witli    three   plai 


a 


stitcl 


les. 


Tl 


us    gives    a    pretty 


crinkled  effect,  but  any  pattern  or  fancy  stitch  pre- 
ferred mav  be  used,  or  crochet  substituted  if  knit- 
ting  is  disliked. 

The  blanket  should  be  a  yard  long  and  three- 
quarters  of  a  yard  wide.  Two  are  needed.  A 
pietty  blanket  with  one  end  shirred  into  a  hood  can 
Ix'  tnade  of  any  of  the  thinner  materials  mentioned. 
It  can  be  cut  by  the  Butterick  pattern  nun)ber  8239. 
It  is  ornamented  w'ith  a  }x)W  on  top  and  at  the  back 
of  the  liood,  and  is  useful  to  i)ut  on  if  the  baby  has 
to  l)e  taken  through  long  passages,  or  when  it  is 
curried  outside  the  door  in  summer. 


JACKETS 

Little  worsted   and    flannel  jackets,  which  used 

tu  he  considered  indispensable,  have  rather  gone  out 

of  fashion    for  babies.     They  are   difficult  to    j)ut 

oil,  soil    very    quickly    and    their    beauty   is   soon 

spoiled  by  washing. 
12 


178 


prp:pauation  for  mothekhood 


Tliey  are  still  sold  as  a  part  of  a  babv's  layette. 
Flannel  and  cashniere  ones  cost  from  Sl.oO  to 
$9.50,  the  latter  being  very  elaborately  embroidered. 

If  it  is  desired  to  make  two,  or  three,  the  Biit- 
terick  pattern  number  o974  ean  be  used  to  cut 
them  by;  they  are  mueh  less  ex[)ensive  when  made 
at  home. 

Worsted  jackets,  which  cost  from  $1.15  to  $1.1)0 
when  purchased  ready  made,  are  knitted  or  eroch{'t(  »1 
in  shell  stitch,  or  star  stitch,  from  zephyr  wool.  This 
may  be  white  or  any  color  preferred.  Cream  witli 
a  colored  border  looks  well.  With  rows  of  baby 
ribbon  run  above  the  border,  or  a  single  row  of 
wider  ribbon,  their  daintiness  is  indisputa))le.  Their 
utility  is  questionable  for  the  reasons  given. 


I*  I 


CLOAKS 

The  age  at  which  a  baby  must  first  be  tak<ii 
out  of  doors  must  be  tjoverned  bv  circumstances. 
What  would  be  a  perfectly  safe  ])roceeding  at  mid- 
summer might  be  very  imj)rudent  in  the  de})th 
of  winter.  It  is  well  to  have  the  cloak  and 
hood  ready  beforehand,  as  there  is  always  plenty 
to  occupy  the  mother's  attention  wdien  she  first  gets 
well  without  beginning  immediately  to  think  about 
new  garments. 

Cream  cashmere  is  the  })rettiest  and  most  service- 


CLOAKS 


179 


-ette. 
[)    U) 

\\n\- 

)    cut 

llliulc 


able  material  for  the  first  cloak.  China  silk  is  used 
in  liummer  and  a  heavv  corded  cream  silk  at  any 
season,  but  it  does  not  seem  as  appropriate  to  the 
tender  little  form  as  the  sol'ter  cashmere. 

The  ready  made  cashmere  cloaks  cost  from  $4.75 
to  Si 2.50.  The  simpler  ones  arc  quite  [)retty  enough 
even  for  a  first  l)aby.  The  pattern  has  a  pointed, 
tucked  yoke,  the  sleeves  have  tucked  cuffs,  there 
arc  bows  of  ribbon  on  tlie  shoulders,  and  it  is  tied 
with  the  same  in  front. 

A  rather  elaborate  one  of  China  silk  costs  $14.50 
and  a  cream  corded  silk,  with  the  waist  tucked 
and  embroided  in  dots,  $23.50.  AVhen  the  cloaks 
are  embroidered  by  hand  and  trimmed  with  silk  lace, 
the  price  rapidly  increases  until  $75.00  is  reached. 

Cashmere  costs  from  seventv-five  cents  to  one 
dollar  a  yard,  and  about  three  yards  are  retpiirp<l 
to  make  a  cloak  with  a  cape.  It  nuist  be  lined 
with  silesia  and  the  cape  faced,  or  lined,  with  silk. 
When  ribbon  and  silk  for  embroidery,  or  feather 
stitching,  is  taken  into  acciHint,  it  will  be  seen 
that  there  is  little  difference  in  cost  between  makiuii; 
one  at  home  and  purchasing  one  of  the  less  ex- 
pensive ones. 

It  is  true  the  material  will  probably  be  finer  and, 
it'  the  maker  is  a  skilful  needlewoman,  the  gar- 
ment more  neatlv  finished. 


180 


IMiKl'ARATlOX    Foil    MOTIIERIIOOD 


If  it  is  clecided  to  make  one,  it  can  be  eut  V)y  the 
Butterick  pattern  for  a  habv's  first  \ou<r  cloak.  The 
cape  is  very  pretty  trimmed  with  three  rows  of 
narrow  cream  ril)bon,  either  watered  or  plain,  with 
feather  stitchino;  in  silk  between  each.  The  skirl  is 
usually  left  perfectly  plain.  Two  or  three  rows 
of  dots  worked  in  silk  between  the  bands  of  rib- 
bon look  well,  but  are  not  as  eiTective  as  the 
feather  stitchin<^. 

An  edging  of  white  fur  is  a  pretty  addition  in 
winter.     It  can  be  bought  by  the  yard  very  €hea])ly. 


HOODS 

The  material  of  which  the  first  little  bonnet  i- 
made  varies  with  the  season  of  the  year.  In  (■<>,>] 
weather  it  may  be  of  cashmere,  to  match  the  chtak 
and  edged  with  a  border  of  white  fur,  or  swans- 
down. 

In  summer,  silk,  crepe  de  chine,  i)lain  faille  Fraii- 
(;ais  or  embroidered  China  silk,  lace,  nuislin  and 
silk  nudl  are  used. 

The  silk  caps  are  trimmed  with  full  rosettes 
of  Valenciennes  lace  on  top.  The  crepe  de  chine 
may  be  embroidered  in  polka  dots  or  trefoils,  and 
ornamented  with  rosettes  of  fine  net,  interminuhd 
with  narrow  cream -colored  baby  ribbon. 

The  lace  and  muslin  ones  should  have  a  linini, 


BIBS 


181 


V)v 

the 

k  • 

T  le 

OWS    <it 

^S 

wit  1 

ski 

rt  is 

c 

rows 

of 

rll)- 

as 

ihe 

lition  in 
chea}>ly, 


on  net 

IS 

In  (• 

It ) 

he  ('!< 

<'M 

•  swans- 

W  Fr 

aii- 

-lin 

UK 

rose 

Uv- 

Ic  c 

line 

;)ils, 

and 

Imin 

j]i{\ 

la  lining 

of  thin  silk.  Very  pretty  ones  are  made  of  rows 
of  \'ak^nciennes  insertion,  hiid  over  a  silk  fonndation 
of  the  proper  shape. 

Those  of  silk  mnll  can  be  feather  stitched  and 
have  bands  of  drawn  work  down  the  sides  and 
across  the  gathered  crown,  with  a  pompon  of  the 


nil 


ai 


id 


lace  on 


top. 


Caps  of  Swiss  muslin  can  have  clusters  of  hair 
hilt'  tucks  and  feather  stitchino;  if  desired,  the 
la-e  border  being  a  plaiting  of  the  muslin  edged 
,vith  Valenciennes.  All  the  other  cai)s  have  full 
niches  of  lace  around  the  face  and  all  are  tied  with 
ri!)l)on  under  the  chin. 

Tiie  little  hoods  are  difficult  for  an  inexperienced 
workwoman  to  make  neatly.  They  cost  from 
ninety-five  cents  for  a  })kiin  one  of  corded  Swiss 
innshn,  with  a  border  of  the  muslin  edged  with 
imitation  Valenciennes  lace,  to  twelve  doHars  for 
a  real  lace  one.  A  daintv  eml)roidered  Cliina  silk 
one  can  be  had  for  two  dollars.  This  has  a 
rosette  of  fine  net  and  bal)y  ribbon,  with  loops  of 
wider  ribbon  and  a  narrow  ruche  all  around  it. 

BIBS 

Bibs  are  not  recpiired  until  the  child  begins  to 
teethe,  uidess,  unfortunately,  it  throws  up  its  food. 
It    is   well    to   have   them   readv  beforehand    and 


182 


PIUOPARATION    Foil    MOTIIEIUIOOD 


soinetlmes  it  is  convenient  to  liave  one  to  J3ut  on  to 
protect  the  cloak  or  the  hest  dress. 

Thev  are  made  of  lawn  or  fine  Lonsdale  cambric, 
with  a  thin  laver  of  cotton  hattino-  between  the 
outside  and  the  lining  and  quilted  by  hand,  or  on 
the  sewing  machine,  in  diamonds,  or  any  pattern 
desired. 

They  can  be  trimmed  with  narrow  Hamburg  or 
lace,  or  embroidered  if  it  is  wished.  Sometimes 
when  they  arc  (piilted  a  sj)ace  is  left  in  the  middle 
or  at  the  lower  part  and  a  simple  design  worked  in 
it,  or  the  baby's  initial  or  mono<z:ram. 

Birdseye  diaper  makes  strong  serviceable  h\h^. 
They  are  madt;  double  but  without  the  interlining  oi' 
batting  and  are  not  Cjuilted. 

It  is  cheaper  to  make  bibs  than  to  buy  them. 
They  may  be  purchased  from  seventeen  cents  to  two 
dollars  and  a  half,  beino:  elaboratelv  embroidered  at 
the  latter  price.  The  Butterick  pattern  number 
748  can  be  used  for  them.  It  contains  two  models ; 
one,  the  handkerchief  bib,  crossing  behind,  is  a 
variation  of  the  regular  shape  we  have  been  familiar 
with  since  our  own  baby  days. 

About  two  dozen  are  needed,  as  when  once  in 
use  they  liave  to  be  changed  frequently  to  koej) 
them  dry.     Fortunately  th(>v  are  easily  washed. 

Dainty  bibs  for  out  door  wear  can  be  made  bv  cut- 


BIB   PINS 


183 


i\\][!;  hemstitched  handkcrehiofs  in  two  diasconally, 
workinii;  the  cut  edge  in  button-hole  stitch  and 
(Miil)i'()i(lerino:  one  point  with  forget-me-nots,  daisies, 
or  tiny  [)ink  [lowers. 

BIB    PINS 

They  give  a  good  excuse  to  display  the  bib 
pin  with  its  setting  of  pearl  or  tiircpioise  to  match 
the  studs.  It  may  have  the  word  "  J^aby  '^  on  it  in 
m!-''<l  letters,  or  the  child's  monogram,  or  initials 
eiiuraved  on  it,  or  be  a  })lain  bar  of  gold  or  silver, 
satin  finished  and  with  a  safety  clasp. 

Pearls,  or  tiny  silver  daisies,  are  pretty  for  a  little 
oil!  whose  .lame  is  Margaret,  as  the  name  means 
both  ])earl  and  daisy. 

The  child  born  in  April  may  have  a  diamond 
spark  and  the  one  in  October  an  opal,  as  these  arc 
the  birth  stones  for  those  months.  Turquoise 
pioperly  belongs  only  to  the  December  baby.  The 
Mrthday  stones  for  the  other  months  are:  January, 
uarnct;  February,  amethyst;  March,  bloodstone; 
May,  emerald ;  June,  agate;  July,  ruby;  August, 
sardonyx  ;  September,  sapphire  ;  November,  topaz. 


CHAPTER  XI 


THE   BAIiYS    BELONGINGS 


THE   BASKET 


A  BASKET  to  hold  the  toilet  accessories  is  a  neces- 
sary ])art  of  the  bahy's  outfit.  They  are  of  diifercnt 
shapes  and  sizes,  and  almost  any  basket  that  is 
large  enough  may  be  fitted  up  to  answer  the  purpose 
verv  nicelv. 

They  can  be  bought  trimmed  and  ready  for  use, 
but  are  much  more  expensive  than  those  made  at 
home. 

The  simplest  flat  basket  covered  with  Swiss  mu^- 
lin,  over  pink  or  blue  silesia,  costs  $3.75,  while 
the  same  basket  undecorated  is  fifty  to  seventy- 
fiv^e  cents. 

A  standard  basket  trimmed  costs  $9.50,  un- 
trimmed  from  $1.50  to  $2.50.  The  trimming  con- 
sists of  a  lining  of  Swiss  muslin  over  silesia,  pockets 
and  pin  cushions  of  lace  and  bows  of  ribbon  tied 
(184) 


TIIH    HASKET 


185 


iffercnt 
that  is 
)urpose 

for  uso, 
ade  at 

wliile 
[event  V- 


►0, 

\\u- 

^g 

cou- 

poc 

><('tS 

)on 

ti('( 

oil  the  handles  and  where  tlie  legs  of  the  stand 
cross  one  another. 

F/irge  wicker  hampers  with  a  tray,  trimmed  with 
(lotted  Swiss  muslin,  cost  fifteen  dollars,  and  more 
('lal)oratelv  decorated  with  lace  and  ribbon,  twcntv- 
five  dollars.  The  hampers  untrimmed  can  be  ob- 
tained for  five  dollars  and  a  half.  Hampers  made 
of  palm  leaf  cost  eight  dollars. 

The  trimmed  baskets  are  very  pretty  and  dainty 
looking,  but  the  freshness  of  the  muslin  and  lace 
is  >oon  impaired  by  constant  use,  and  they  have 
to  be  renewed  at  a  time  when  the  voun^  mother's 
attention  is  sufficiently  occupied  already  with  the 
iK'cessary  care  of  her  baby. 

Ribbon  is  the  most  sensible  ornament,  as  it  can 
be  replaced  with  very  little  trouble,  and  looks  well 
for  a  long  time.  Choose  a  width  to  correspond 
with  the  openings  in  the  sides  of  the  basket  and 
weave  the  ribbon  in  and  out,  adding  a  bow  here 
and  there  to  conceal  the  joining  and  break  the 
monotony  of  the  outline. 

Hampers  can  have  a  broad  ribbon  crossing  the 
cover  diagonally,  with  a  bow  at  each  end  and  the 
same  on  the  front. 

The  cover  inside  may  be  crossed  from  side  to 
side  by  a   zigzag  of  ribbon,  tacked  at  the  points. 

To  line  the  tray  make  a  plaiting  a  little  wider 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


^ 


1.0 


I.I 


*i^  lllllM    IIIIIH 


lilllM    |||||22 

m  1 2.0 

mil  1.8 


1.25      1.4 

1.6 

^ 6"     — 

► 

<? 


^ 


/} 


A 


VI 


e. 


ej// 


^■^- 


^ 


o 


7 


M 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


s. 


% 


^ 


4 


rtV 


V 


\\ 


"% 


V 


4" 


<- 


O^ 


^> 


% 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  M580 

(716)  872-4503 


i/i 


186 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


i 


than  the  depth  of  the  tray.  Tack  this  with  a  needk' 
and  thread  around  the  edge,  holding  it  above  the 
edge,  wrong  side  out.  Turn  it  down  and  tack  it 
on  tiie  bottom  of  the  tray.  Cut  a  piece  of  stiff  card- 
board the  exact  size  of  the  bottom,  cover  it  with  a 
layer  of  cotton  batting  split  and  thickly  sprinkled 
with  violet,  or  other  sachet  powder.  Press  this  in 
place.  Sew  on  the  sides  of  the  tray  two  pin 
cushions,  one  round  and  one  long,  and  two  little 
bags. 

A  flat  basket  may  be  lined  in  the  same  way,  and 
if  desired  a  deep  frill  added  outside  with  a  full 
ruche  of  the  same  around  the  top.  A  handle  cross- 
ing the  top  of  the  basket  to  lift  it  by  is  useful. 
It  can  be  tied  with  ribbon. 

Besides  Swiss  muslin  and  lace,  art  muslin,  silko- 
lene,  chintz,  China  and  India  silk  can  be  used  ior 
lining  and  covering  the  baskets.  It  is  well  to 
make  a  cover  of  the  material  to  throw  over  the 
open  basket  to  keep  out  the  dust. 

If  it  is  decided  not  to  cover  the  basket  with  a 
perishable  material  it  can  be  gilded  or  painted 
white  and  varnished,  or  red  with  lines  of  gold. 
This  is  a  good  device  to  freshen  a  wicker  basket 
that  has  seen  service  before. 

The  pockets  and  cushions  may  be  made  of 
delicate  China  silk  or  any  material  that  is  liked. 


CARRYING   BASKET 


187 


Ril)bons  are  fastened  to  them,  drawn  through  the 
nieslies  of  the  side  of  the  basket  and  tied  in  bows  on 
the  outside. 

CONTENTS 

The  basket  shoukl  hold  a  little  porcelain  box  of 
pure  vaseline,  a  powder  box  and  puff,  with  pow- 
dered French  chalk  scented  with  violet,  or  any 
good  powder,  a  half  cake  of  ivory  soap  in  a  cellu- 
loid or  silver  soap  box,  a  soft  baby  brush,  two  little 
wash  cloths  made  of  an  old  dinner  napkin,  which 
are  far  more  satisfactory  than  a  sponge,  and  two 
larger  towels  of  the  same  kind  of  old  linen.  A 
little  powdered  borax  and  a  wide-mouthed  bottle  of 
fuller's  earth  should  be  at  hand,  not  necessarily  in 
the  basket. 

In  one  pocket  should  be  a  bunch  of  absorbent 
cotton,  in  the  other  the  middle  of  an  old  handkor- 
ehief.  One  cushion  is  for  large,  the  other  for  small 
safety  pins;  common  pins  should  not  be  put  in 
a  baby's  clothes.  The  clothes  that  will  be  recpiired 
i'or  the  first  dressing  must  be  laid  in  it — a  bjuul,  a 
shirt,  a  flannel,  a  plain  night  slip,  a  napkin,  a 
pair  of  socks  and  one  of  the  Germantown  blankets. 


CARRYING  BASKET 


Sometimes  a  basket  is  provided  to  carry  the  baby 
from  room  to  room.     This  is  about  two  feet  and 


188 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


a  lialf  long,  with  handles.  One  can  be  purchase] 
for  $2.75  and  ornamented  to  correspond  with  the 
toilet  basket.     A  down  pillow  is  used  as  a  bed. 

Some  one  color  should  be  chosen  for  the  baby's 
belongings  and  used  wherever  color  is  permissible. 
Pink  for  a  girl  and  blue  for  a  boy  is  the  establislud 
usage.  Pale  green,  yellow  and  crimson  are  all 
pretty. 

THE   baby's  clothes   PRESS 

A  modern  high  bureau,  or  chiffonier,  in  dark  or 
light  wood,  with  many  shallow  drawers,  is  the  must 
convenient  receptacle  for  the  baby^s  wardroho. 
There  is  usually  a  little  closet  at  one  side  that  holds 
the  bonnet  without  crushing. 

A  box  or  trunk  with  the  sides  concealed  by  a 
deep  frill  of  chintz,  tlie  top  stuffed  and  covered 
with  tiie  same,  is  a  good  place  to  keep  the  napkins. 


SACHETS 

Wherever  the  clothing  is  kept  a  number  of 
sweetly  scented  sachets  should  be  provided  to  scatt<  r 
amongst  it.  One  should  be  kept  with  the  bibs  and 
a  few  tucked  in  the  waists  of  the  dresses.  Sachet 
powder  can  be  bought  by  the  ounce  and  little  bans 
are  easily  made.  The  j)owder  is  sprinkled  on  a  pieec 
of  split  cotton  batting  before  being  put  in  the  bag. 


L., 


THE  baby's   bed — BASSINETTES 


189 


:h  the 

I. 

baby's 

ssibl\ 
jlislud 
ire  all 


lark  or 
iie  most 
irdrubc. 
it  holds 


ll)er   of 


A  delicate  aroma  of  violet,  or  heliotrope,  enhances 
the  sweetness  even  of  a  sweet  baby.  Liquid  per- 
fumes are  too  decided  in  their  odor  to  be  uscvd  about 
a  baby.  Something  more  delicate  and  etheriai  is  re- 
quired. 

THE   baby's    BED — BASSINETTP:S 

Wicker  bassinettes,  which  are  often  chosen  for 
the  baby's  first  bed,  are  very  pretty  and  dainty 
looking.  They  cost  untrimraed  from  $6.75  to 
S!M)0  and  have  a  hood,  or  canopy,  to  protect  the 
h(  ad.  They  can  be  lined  with  glazed  muslin,  or 
silesia,  of  whatever  color  is  chosen  for  the  baby's 
belongings,  and  covered  with  plain  or  dotted  muslin, 
laid  smoothly  over  the  lining  or  frilled  on.  Art 
muslin,  silkolene,  China  or  any  kind  of  fancy  silk 
can  be  used  if  preferred.  A  full  ruche  is  ])ut 
around  the  top  to  conceal  the  joining  of  the  outside 
flounce  and  the  lining.  The  curtains  are  looped 
hai'k  with  bands  uf  the  material  used  or  with  ribbon. 
Sometimes  the  canopy  is  omitted. 

A  large  oval  clothes  basket  makes  a  good  sub- 
stitute for  a  bassinette.  It  can  be  trimmed  in  a 
similar  manner  and  is  less  expensive. 

A  stand  draped  with  the  same  mateiial  can  be 
provided  to  hold  the  bassinette,  or  it  can  stand 
on  two  chairs.  It  can  be  easily  carried  from  room 
to  room,  which  sometimes  is  a  couveuieuce, 


190 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


THE  BED 

A  large  pillow  forms  the  bed.  Over  this  is 
spread  a  square  of  rubber  cloth  and  then  the  sheet, 
or  a  folded  crib  blanket.  Another  blanket  and 
a  pretty  light  coverlet  is  all  the  covering  needed. 

PILLOWS 

The  pillow  should  be  a  small  square  one  with  a 
dainty  (^ovor.  Two  large  hemstitched  handkerchic  fs 
make  a  pretty  one.  Down  is  objectionable  as  makiiiir 
the  head  too  hot,  unless  the  pillow  is  a  very  tiiiu  one. 
A  soft  hair  one  answers  the  purpose  very  well  in  sum- 
mer.    Feathers  are  not  objectionable  unless  too  soft. 

CRIBS 

Pretty  as  the  bassinettes  are  their  decorations  soo.i 
lose  their  freshness  and  a  crib  is  a  more  sensible  piu- 
chase. 

The  white  iron  ones  with  embellishments  of  brass 
are  to  be  preferred,  although  there  are  many  fasci- 
nating styles  in  wood.  They  can  be  had  with  a  curv<d 
iron  rod  to  support  curtains,  or  a  framework,  or 
canopy,  from  whicli  they  can  be  hung.  They  should 
be  looped  well  back  to  permit  a  free  circulation  ot 
air  but  are  useful  as  a  protection  from  draughts. 

CRADLES 

There  is  a  great  difference  of  opinion  as  to  whether 


PROTECTORS 


191 


this  is 
iie  slu'ot, 
iket  and 
reeled. 

ne  with  a 
Ikerchicis 
asmakiiu^ 
J  tliin  Olio. 
ill  in  suni- 
ss  too  solt. 


itions  sooii 
iisible  piir- 


ii  is  permissible  to  rock  a  haby  or  not.  At  present 
there  are  symptoms  of  reaction  aojainst  the  cast-iron 
ride  of  no  rockers.  While  violent  motion  is  of 
course  injurions,  it  is  held  tliat  a  gentle  swaying  will 
sometimes  quiet  a  restless  baby  and  prevent  its  rous- 
ing when  otherwise  it  would  waken. 

When  we  consider  that  for  so  many  generations  it 
was  the  universal  custom,  amongst  English-speaking 
people  at  least,  to  rock  babies,  it  does  not  seem  as  if 
it  could  be  so  very  dangerous  a  practice  as  its  oppo- 
iieiits  would  have  us  suppose. 

Sliakespeare^s  brain  was  not  injuriously  affected 
by  the  operation,  nor  the  many  geniuses  from  his 
clay  to  the  present  who  spent  a  large  part  of  their 
early  existence  in  cradles. 

Probably  in  this  as  in  so  many  other  things  the 
middle  path  is  the  safest.  A  baby  should  not  be 
accustomed  to  be  rocked  to  sleep,  nor  perpetually 
joixged  when  he  is  slumbering.  Yet  it  may  be  well 
not  to  put  it  out  of  one's  power  to  give  the  gentle 
touch  that  will  soothe  the  restless  sleeper  to  more 
jirofound  repose.  Heredity,  which  is  held  accounta- 
ble for  so  many  strange  things,  may  be  responsible 
for  this  touch  being  needed. 


to  whether 


PROTECTORS 

Whatever  the  bedstead  may  be,  there  is  no  ques- 


192 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERFIOOD 


tioii  that  the  fouiul'ition  of  the  bod  should  bo  a 
woven  wire  mattress.  Over  this  is  laid  a  soft  hair 
mattress,  and  on  this  the  protector. 

Rubber  cloth  can  be  purchased  for  seventy-fi\<' 
cents  a  yard,  a  yard  wide.  Two  strips  should  Ix- 
provided,  that  one  may  be  hung  in  the  sun  and  air 
while  the  other  is  in  use.  Twice  a  week  thev  should 
be  sponged  with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid  in  watt  r, 
i-60.  This  will  prevent  their  smelling  unpleasantly 
if  they  are  frequently  wet. 

A  good  protector  to  lay  over  the  blanket,  or 
sheet,  if  one  is  used,  is  made  of  several  thicknes^^cs 
of  newspaper  folded  and  slipped  into  a  cotton,  or 
flannel,  cover  kept  for  the  purpose.  They  are  easily 
renewed,  the  paper  being  burned  when  damp  and 
the  cover  washed.     Two  should  be  provided. 


gUiiL 

: 

1 

'  1 
i 

1 

i 

BLANKETS 

A  folded  blanket  laid  over  the  rubber  cloth  is 
better  for  a  young  baby  than  a  sheet,  as  warniili 
is  all  important  to  it.  Eiderdown  flannel  makes 
inexpensive  blankets.  The  cut  edges  can  be  but- 
tonholed with  washing  silk  in  long  and  short 
stitches.  The  upper  blanket  can  be  bound  with 
ribbon  if  desired,  but  it  does  not  wash  well. 
A  pair  of  crib  blankets  is  an  economical  pur- 
chase. 


COVERLIDS — PILLOW    CASES — HAMMOCKS    193 


1)0    a 

ft  Iki'h' 

ity-fivc 
uld  !>(' 
iiul  air 
slioiiKl 
11  water, 
^asanily 

iket,  or 
cknes^-cs 
otton,  or 
re  easily 
trap  and 


h  nial< 


COVERLIDS 

An  upper  sheet  is  not  needed,  the  blanket  and  a 
light  white  quilt,  or  silk  coverlet,  or  in  winter  a 
dow  n  comforter,  being  all  that  is  necessary. 

Cotton  batting  covered  with  pink,  blue,  or  cream 
clu't'se  cloth  and  caught  here  and  there  to  secure  it, 
iiiakes  a  light  and  pretty  comforter. 

PILLOW   CASES 

The  pillow  should  be  a  thin  feather,  or  soil  hair, 
one,  to  avoid  overheating  the  little  head.  If  the 
case  is  embroidered,  the  initials,  or  monogram,  or 
whatever  the  design  may  be,  should  be  at  one  end 
and  not  where  the  tender  cheek  rests.  A  cluster  of 
narrow  tucks  above  a  broad  hem,  hemstitched,  or 
not,  is  a  pretty  finish. 

HAMMOCKS 

"When  space  is  a  consideration,  as  it  is  to  the 
dwellers  in  flats,  a  hammock  makes  a  convenient  bed 
for  the  baby.  A  small  one  occupies  little  space  when 
slung  on  two  stout  hooks  and  is  easily  put  out  of 
the  way  when  it  is  not  occupied.  A  long  pillow  and 
blanket  is  all  the  bedding  required. 

If  there  is  a  fear  that  the  baby  will  fall  out,  it  can 

be  fastened  in  with  two  broad  bands  tied  around  the 

hummock. 
13 


iniifii'i 


194 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTIIERH(X)D 


FOLDING    BATH — TOILET   APPARATUS 

A  folding  bath  tub  can  be  procured,  made  ol' 
rubber  clotli  stretched  on  a  frame  that  can  be  foKKd 
and  put  aside  when  not  iu  use.  There  is  a  iiaid 
rubber  faucet  at  the  bottom  to  let  off  the  water.  At 
one  end  are  pockets  of  rubber  cloth  to  hold  the  wash 
cloth,  soap,  etc.,  and  at  the  other  a  towel  rack. 

It  costs  $8.75  untrimmed,  and  $12.00  with  pockits 
and  towel  rack.  With  care  one  will  last  a  long  time, 
but  the  slightest  crack  in  the  rubber  coating  renders 
it  useless  as  a  bath  tub,  though  it  may  still  serve 
the  secondary  purpose  of  a  bassinette  for  the  baby. 

TIN   TUB 

An  oval  tin  tub  is  the  most  durable  bath  tub.  It 
should  be  carefully  dried  after  it  is  emptied.  Wlitii 
in  course  of  time  it  leaks,  a  soldering  iron  will  repair 
the  damage  and  give  it  a  new  lease  of  life. 


TOILET  SETS 

Pretty  decorated  china  toilet  sets  are  sold  for  the 
baby's  use.  They  consist  of  a  basin,  either  a  plain 
round  one,  or  with  a  division  in  the  middle.  In  the 
latter  one  side  is  for  hot,  the  other  for  cooler  water, 
or  one  side  for  scented  water  to  finish  the  bath.  Be- 
side the  basin  there  is  a  powder  box  and  soap  dish 
to  match  it,  and  a  pitcher.     The  set  costs  $3.75. 


PI 


WASH   STANDS — POWDEU    ItOXES,    ETC. 


195 


Sometimes  the  basin  is  set  in  a  wicker  stand  with 
a  shelf  below  fur  soap  dish  and  powder  box.  This 
costs  $7.50  ;  the  stand  alone,  fonr  dollars. 

WASH   STANDS 

A  more  dnrablc  receptacle  is  a  little  wash  stand 
of  iron  enamelled  in  white.  This  costs  $1.75  ;  with 
i)asin,  two  pitchers,  soap  and  powder  boxes,  ^<S.50. 
An  iron  stand  of  the  same  shape  can  be  had  with 
the  basin  and  boxes,  bnt  withont  the  pitchers,  for  five 
dollars. 

POWDER    BOXES 

Powder  boxes  in  plain  China  cost  from  fifty  to 
seventy-five  cents;  decorated,  they  are  from  eighty 
cents  to  a  dollar.  Soap  boxes  to  match  cost  from 
seventy  cents  to  $1.25. 

COMBS 

Tiny  combs  can  be  procured  for  ten  cents;  little 
soft  brushes,  from  twenty-five  cents  to  a  dollar. 


LUXURIES 

While  the  fanciful  toilet  sets  are  a  pretty  addition 
to  the  furniture  of  the  nursery,  they  are  not  at  all  in- 
dispensable to  the  baby's  comfort.  He  can  be  kept 
daintily  nice  with  no  better  apparatus  than  a 
common  hand  basin  and  soap  dish. 

While  every  mother  loves  to  surround  her  baby 


mmrram 


196 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


with  luxurious  appointments,  sl:^  need  not  be  dis- 
tressed if  she  cannot  afford  them.  The  baby  will  Itc 
as  happy  without  them,  nor  suffer  in  health  (.r 
temper  because  they  are  missing. 

They  have  been  described  and  the  prices  added  so 
that  those  who  can  possess  them  may  have  a  guide 
in  tlie  selection. 


i 
lii ' 

■  HI   I 


CHAPTER  XII 


THE   mother's     ROM 


^ITUATIOl^i 

When  there  is  an  opportunit)  f'^r  choice,  a  large 
airy  rooin  should  be  selectetl  ^v'itll  a  ^'Unny  aspect  in 
winter  and  a  cool,  sliudy  one  iii  summer. 

it'  there  is  plumbing  in  the  house  it  should  not 
o[H'n  into  the  bath  room  nor  should  there  be  a  set 
basin  in  the  room. 

When  this  is  unavoidable,  the  door  leading  into 
the  bath  room  should  be  closed  and  the  cracks  care- 
liilly  stuffed  with  paper.  If  there  is  a  set  basin  the 
overflow  holes  should  be  stopped  with  moist  plaster 
(»f  paris  and  the  basin  kept  filled  with  water,  to  form 
a  water  seal.  The  water  must  be  changed  ev^ery  day 
by  the  nurse. 

Sewer  gas  is  too  dangerous  an  enemy  to  run  the 
risk  of  its  admission  intu  this  room  which  ought  to 
1)0  most  carefully  guarded  against  every  possible 
source  of  contamination. 

(197) 


™w 


Mii 


198 


PREPARATfON    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


THE   WINDOWS 

If  the  windows  do  not  already  opcMi  from  the  top 
tiiey  should  be  arranged  to  do  so.  If  both  cannot 
be  altered  the  one  farthest  from  the  bed  should  be 
changed. 

When  it  is  impossible  to  put  in  cords  and  pulleys, 
the  cleats  may  be  removed  from  under  the  top  sash, 
and  the  frame  kept  in  place  by  a  short  stick  restinu^ 
on  the  top  of  the  lower  sash.  The  width  of  the 
opening  can  be  regulated  by  the  length  of  the  stick. 

Heavy  curtains,  or  draperies,  siiould  be  removed, 
on  account  of  their  propensity  for  collecting  dust. 
Fresh  muslin,  or  any  washing  material,  is  unobjec- 
tionable. Sash  curtains  soften  the  liji'ht  and  mav  he 
used  if  desired. 

If  there  are  outside  blinds,  or  awnings,  dark  lineji 
shades  are  not  indispensable,  but  they  are  always 
convenient  as  they  are  so  easily  arranged  and  can  be 
adjusted  without  opening  the  window. 

For  the  first  few  days  the  light  must  be  subdued 
for  the  sake  of  both  mother  and  child.  After  that 
it  can  be  freely  admitted,  the  baby's  eyes  being 
shaded  by  a  screen,  or  the  crib  canopy.  They  never 
should  be  exposed  directly  to  a  bright  light. 

THE    B^LOOR 

Some  authorities  insist  that  the  carpet  must  here- 


Lil',.tMii»lig 


THE   FLOOR 


199 


iiiovod  from  the  floor  of  tlie  Iviiiix-in  room.  This  is 
ijsiuilly  inconvenient  and  often  impossible.  It  is  well 
wlien  the  floor  is  bare,  as  it  so  freqnently  is  in  modern 
houses,  as  then  it  is  more  easily  kept  clean  by  being 
<!j()ne  over  with  a  damp  cluth.  Many  })erfect  recov- 
eries have  been  made  in  carpeted  rooms,  only  the  floor 
needs  a  little  more  care  to  keep  it  in  good  order. 

The  carpet  should  be  taken  np  a  short  time  before 
the  confinement,  thoroughly  beaten  and  cleansed  and 
t;i('ked  securel}  in  place  again.  H  possible  a  large 
square  of  carpel  linen  shotdd  be  tacked  over  it  for  the 
bed  to  stand  upon.  This  if  firndy  stretched  makes  a 
smooth  surface  from  which  it  is  easv  to  remove  dust. 

Under  the  bed  is  one  of  the  most  certain  hiding- 
places  for  dust  and  requires  more  care  from  the 
nurse  than  all  the  rest  of  the  room  put  togethei*. 
Bi'ing  out  of  sight  it  is  too  frequently  out  of  mind 
and  being  so  near  the  patient  is  a  source  of  danger 
that  must  never  be  forgotten.  It  shoidd  be  dusted 
every  day  with  a  damp  cloth,  either  held  in  the  hand 
or  wrapped  around  a  broom. 

A  carpet  can  be  swept  with  a  carpet  sweeper  to 
prevent  the  dust  from  rising,  unless  the  noise  is  an 
()i)jection.  Otherwise  it  can  be  s])rinkled  with  bits 
of  dampened  newspaper,  or  tea  leaves  to  take  up  the 
dust. 

It  is  well  to  provide  a  piece  of  carpet  or  an  old  rug, 


aSSBBKB 


wm 


200 


PREPARATIOX    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


that  can  be  laid  at  the  right  side  of  the  bed  at  the  tinio 
tlie  baby  is  born.  Very  often  it  is  not  needed,  but  a 
delicate  carpet  may  be  ruined  for  lack  of  it,  or  a  stain 
left  on  a  plainer  one  that  is  difficult  to  get  rid  of. 

A  polished  floor  with  rugs  that  can  be  removed 
once  a  week  to  be  shaken  is  probably  the  best.  The 
nurse  must  wear  soft  slippers  as  otherwise  the  noise 
is  distressing  to  a  nervous  patient. 

THE   BEDSTEAD 

A  low,  wide  bedstead  is  very  objectionable.  It  is 
difficult  for  the  doctor  to  get  at  the  patient  to  do  his 
duty  properly,  and  it  is  almost  impossible  for  tho 
nurse  to  lift  and  move  her  afterwards  without  strain- 
ing her  back. 

An  iron  bedstead  of  the  width  known  as  three- 
quarters  is  the  best.  This  is  about  tliree  feet  wide, 
])erhaps  a  few  inches  more  rather  than  less.  Hos- 
pital beds  are  narrower  than  this,  but  less  space  gives 
a  person  accustomed  to  a  wide  bed  an  uncomfortable 
feeling  of  not  being  able  to  turn  over  without  fear 
of  fulling  out.  The  height  to  the  top  of  the  woven 
wire  mattress  should  be  not  less  than  twenty  inches. 

THE   BED 

A  woven  wire  mattress  is  at  once  the  most  com- 
fortable and  the  most  sanitary  foundation  for  the  bed. 


aaa 


THE   BED 


201 


A  fvcG  current  of  air  is  admitted  underneath  it  and 
it  cannot  be  otherwise  than  clean. 

Over  this  shoukl  be  a  hair  mattress.  If  this  has 
been  long  in  use  it  should  be  freshly  made  over, 
with  a  new  tick,  for  the  occasion.  It  is  well  to 
have  a  cover  of  unbleached  cotton  for  it  to  save  it 
tVoni  accidental  stain. 

Over  this  is  spread  a  square  of  India-rubber  cloth, 
firmly  pinned  to  the  mattress  at  the  corners  with 
safety  pins.  A  second  square  should  be  provided 
to  make  the  pad  on.  If  India-rubber  cloth  cannot 
be  afforded,  white  table  oil  cloth  makes  a  good  sub- 
stitute. It  is  wider  than  the  rubber  cloth  and  costs 
about  twenty-five  cents  a  yard,  the  other  being 
seventy-five  cents  for  a  yard  wide. 

Old  sheets  are  softer  and  more  pleasant  to  use 
than  new  ones.  A  great  number  is  not  required  as 
[\\o.  ])ads  save  them  from  being  soiled. 

I^lankets  are  the  best  covering,  varying  in  number 
according  to  the  season  of  the  year.  Unless  perfectly 
new  they  should  be  sent  to  a  (lycing  establishment 
and  cleansed.  It  is  unwise  to  wasn  flue  blankets  at 
home  if  it  be  possible  to  have  them  done  by  pro- 
t'cs>i()nal  cleaner.  The  cost  is  about  one  dollar  a 
pair  for  the  process  and  they  look  almost  like  new 
when  well  done. 

A  light  white  spread,  not  a  heavy  Marseilles  quilt, 


202 


PRLPA RATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


is  the  hest  outer  covering.  When  this  cannot  he 
procured,  a  clean,  white  sheet  is  a  good  substitute. 

If  it  is  desired  to  use  a  down  comforter  in  winter, 
it  sliould  be  hung  in  the  sun  and  thoroughly  aired 
for  several  davs  before  beino;  taken  into  use. 

Tiie  pillows  should  be  treated  in  the  same  wav 
and  made  over  if  the  ticks  are  soiled,  or  thev  have 
been  used  for  a  long  time  without  having  been  reno- 
vated. 

A  good  supply  of  pillow  cases  is  required.  Noth- 
ing gives  a  more  dainty  look  to  a  bed  than  fresh, 
uncreased  pillow  cases  and  the  coolness  is  always 
welcome  to  the  invalid. 


THE    COUCH 

A  comfortable  couch,  or  low  bed,  should  be  pro- 
vided for  the  nurse.  If  baby  and  mother  do  well 
she  will  have  many  nights  of  almost  undisturbed  rc- 
[)ose,  and  she  will  be  better  rested  for  the  next  day's 
labors  if  this  is  taken  on  nn  easy  bed. 


TABLES 

There  should  be  a  small  bedside  table  to  hold 
various  little  necessaries.  No  food  should  be  per- 
mitted to  stand  there  for  more  than  the  moment  that 
it  requires  to  arrange  the  bed  table,  or  the  time  oc- 
cupied   by  the    convalescent    in    eating    her    meal. 


t'WM  ■W'^WWWW 


CHAIRS — SCREEN — ORNAMENTS 


203 


inot  be 
itute. 
winter, 
ly  aired 

I 

me  N\:iy 
icy  have 
leu  rciui- 

,  Ts  (.th- 
in fresli, 
s  always 


Food,  unless  it  is  being  eaten,  is  out  of  place  in  the 
sick  room.  If  a  gloss  of  water  stands  there  for  a 
short  time  it  should  be  covered. 


CHAIRS 

A  larger  table  is  desirable,  a  comfortable  easy 
chair  for  the  nurse  to  hold  the  baby  in  and  one  or 
two  others.  Oue  of  these  should  be  a  firm  chair, 
not  a  rocking  chair,  for  the  doctor. 

When  he  comes  this  should  be  placed  at  the  right 
side  of  the  bed  and  so  that  he  can  sit  facing  his  pa- 
tient. 

SCREEN 

A  screen  is  a  very  necessary  addition  to  the  fur- 
nit  mo  of  the  room.  It  serves  many  purposes ;  to 
piotect  mother,  or  baby,  from  light  or  draughts,  to 
stand  before  the  door  when  it  is  wished  to  keep  it 
open  for  a  short  time,  to  screen  the  baby  when  it  is 
being  dressed  or  put  to  sleep,  or  to  shut  off  a  corner 
tVotn  an  unexpected  visitor. 

The  furniture  in  the  room  should  be  wiped  every 
'lay  \vith  a  damp  cloth  to  remove  the  dust ;  so  it  is 
well  not  to  have  too  much,  that  the  nurse  be  not  over- 
taxed. 

ORNAMENTS 

While  a  few  ornaments  may  be  left  to  beautify 
the  apartment,  it  is  best  to  put  away  the  superabun- 


•TSfH 


BpnnHH 


204 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


(laiice  of  bric-a-brac  which  adorns,  or  eneiini- 
b(M's,  most  bedrooms,  nowadays.  It  is  difficult  to 
keep  it  as  free  from  dust  as  it  should  be  kept, 
and  when  it  is  crowded  it  is  apt  to  meet  wit!) 
accidents  which  are  distressing  to  the  invalid  and 
erabarassing  to  the  nurse.  Pictures  are  never  in 
the  way. 

PLANTS 

One  or  two  growing  plants  in  pots  are  preferable 
to  cut  flowers.  If  the  latter  are  admitted  a  little 
salt  should  be  added  to  the  water,  that  being  chaiiixed 
every  day.  They  should  always  be  removed  from 
the  room  at  night. 


ill 


SUBSTITUTE   FOR   COMMODE 

A  commode  should  be  rigidly  excluded  from  tlie 
room.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  keep  one  suHi- 
ciently  clean  to  meet  the  exacting  requirements  of 
the  lying-in  room.  Even  if  the  vessel  is  emptied  as 
soon  as  used  the  woodwork  and  surrounding  parts 
cannot  but  become  impregnated  with  unseen  parti- 
cles which  should  find  no  lodtjment  in  this  abode  of 
cleanliness.  ' 

One  is  unnecessary  while  the  patient  is  confined  to 
bed.  AVhen  she  can  sit  up,  if  she  requires  one,  an 
ordinary  earthenware  slop  jar  makes  a  good  substi- 


'""■■'■'""■"■" -^ 


THE   baby's   room — BED   PADS. 


205 


tute.     It   can    be    covered,    quickly    removed    and 
tlionjuglily  cleansed. 

No  waste  of  any  kind  should  be  permitted  to  re- 
main in  the  room  for  longer  than  it  takes  to  remove 
it.  Empty  vessels  and  chamber  conveniences  should 
bo  scalded,  dried  and  kept  in  the  bath  room. 

THE    baby's   room 

If  possible  the  baby's  belongings  should  have  a 
place  in  an  adjoining  apartment  where  it  can  be 
washed  and  dressed  out  of  the  immediate  ken  of 
its  mother.  It  saves  much  friction  if  the  baby 
happens  to  be  a  fretful  one  and  in  any  case  is  im- 
portant during  the  first  few  days,  when  quiet  is 
essential. 

THE  mother's  comfort 

The  young  expectant  mother  is  often  as  much 
puzzled  to  know  what  preparations  are  requisite  for 
her  own  comfort  as  she  is  to  know  what  her  baby 
will  require  for  its  needs. 

BED    PADS 

These  entirely  prevent  the  bed  from  being  soiled  and 
save  much  disagreeable  washing  as  they  can  be  rolled 
up  and  burned.  Two  large  ones  are  needed  and  it  is 
well  to  provide  half  a  dozen  smaller  ones  for  subse- 
quent use,  as  they  materially  reduce  the  laundry  bill. 

The  foundation  is  9,  square  yard  of  India  rubber 


i^iinpii^ 


206 


pri<:paration  for  motherhood 


cloth,  or  white  table  oil  cloth.  On  this  is  placed 
about  a  dozen  tliicknesses  of  newspaper,  over  this  a 
thick  layer  of  absorbent  cotton  and  the  whole  covered 
with  cheese  cloth  tacked  in  place  around  the  cdps. 
After  using,  these  stitches  are  cut,  the  foundaiKni 
taken  off  and  the  pad  burned. 

The  rubber  cloth,  or  oil  cloth,  can  be  sponired 
witii  a  clotli  wrung  out  of  carbolic  acid  and  water, 
1-60,  and  used  again. 

After  the  confinement  the  soiled  pad  is  takiii 
away  by  the  nurse  and  the  fresh  one  put  in  place 
without  disturbing  the  under  sheet. 

Absorbent  cotton  purchased  from  the  druggist  is 
expensive,  costing  about  seventy-five  cents  a  pound, 
The  Absorbent  Cotton  Works  at  Walthara,  jNIass., 
furnish  a  cheaper  quality,  suitable  for  pads,  at  altoiit 
thirty  cents  a  pound  and  will  send  it  by  mail.  Twu 
pounds  are  sufficient  for  a  pad. 

It  is  well  to  place  a  sheet  folded  once  across  the 
bed  under  the  pad  and  extending  from  it  to  the  loot 
of  the  mattress.  It  should  be  firmly  tucked  under 
at  the  sides  and  can  be  removed  with  the  pad.  It 
prevents  the  accidental  soiling  of  the  under  sheet 
from  a  drop  of  blood  or  a  finger  mark. 


PADS 


Small  pads  for  use  instead  of  napkins  should  be 


BINDERS 


207 


is  placed 
;er  this  a 
le  covered 
he  cdircs. 
jundarum 

I    spo lilted 
md  water, 

.   is   taken 
b  in  place 


provided.     They  can  be  burned  and  lessen  one  of 
the  irreat  risks  of  infection. 

Six  dozen  are  needed.  They  can  be  purchased 
ready  made  and  cost  about  sixty  cent^j  a  dozen,  but 
can  be  much  more  ciieaply  prepared  at  home  of  ab- 
sorbent cotton  covered  with  cheese  cloth. 

Cut  a  ])iece  of  cheese  cloth  eight  inches  long  by 
two  wide ;  lay  on  this  a  thick  ])ad  of  the  cotton 
seven  inches  long  by  nearly  five  inches  wide. 
Double  the  cheese  cloth  on  this  and  baste  the  edges 
together.  Sew  a  strip  of  cheese  cloth  to  each  end  of 
the  napkin  to  fasten  it  to  the  girdle,  or  binder. 
Three  pounds  will  make  sixty  good-sized  pads. 

After  childbirth  there  is  a  bright  red  discharge 
which  lasts  for  three  or  four  davs  and  amounts  al- 
together  to  two  or  three  pints.  This  continues  for 
about  two  weeks,  rapidly  becoming  paler,  and  after 
that  time  gradually  disappears. 


BINDERS 

It  is  best  to  provide  five  binders,  as  they  some- 
times get  soiled  and  have  to  be  frequently  changed. 
They  are  not  necessary,  some  physicians  discarding 
them  altogether,  but  they  certainly  add  to  the  com- 
fort of  the  mother,  giving  a  sensation  of  support, 
which  is  grateful  to  the  relaxed  abdominal  walls, 
not  yet  recovered  from  their  overdistension. 


208 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTIIKRIIOOD 


Make  thorn  of  soft  unbleached  cotton  whicli  Ims 
been  waslied.  They  are  out  a  yard  and  a  (jnai  t(  i- 
long  by  thirty  inches  wide,  doubled  so  that  tin  v 
will  be  fifteen  inches  wide  when  done  and  the  educes 
stitched  or  overhanded  together. 

It  is  well  to  have  a  couple  of  yards  of  the  same  cott-tn 
at  hand  for  breast  bandages  in  case  they  are  required. 

NIGHT    DRESSES 

A  short  night  dress,  a  pair  of  open  drawers,  with- 
out starched  frills,  and  a  pa^r  of  white,  or  cream, 
stockings  should  be  provided  to  wear  during  tlic 
actual  confinement.  The  night  gown  can  be  niade 
from  an  old  one  by  cutting  off  the  lower  part  jn-t 
below  the  waist  line.  Unless  short  night  dresses 
are  especially  disliked  they  will  be  found  a  great 
convenience  durino;  the  first  few  davs,  while  the  dis- 
charge  is  profuse  and  the  napkins  have  to  be  iVc- 
quentlv  chancred.  After  that  the  ordinarv  dr(>ss 
can  be  resumed. 

UNDER   SHIRTS 

If  under  shirts  are  worn  they  should  be  open  down 
the  front,  faced  and  furnished  with  buttons  and  button 
holes.  It  is  difficult  to  change  a  tight  undershirt 
otherwise,  and  disturbs  the  invalid  unnecessarily. 

BED   JACKETS 

Pretty  jackets  of  opera,  Scotch,  or  Shaker  flannel 


WKaPPEUS — SMIM'ERS 


209 


are  preferable  to  luuler  shirts.     The  back  should  be 

cut  twice  as  wide  as  usual   iKtwcon  the  siioulders 

jiud  tiie  extra  fulness  shirred  in  at  the  neck.     This 

extra  width  makes  them  easy  to  put  on  and  take 

oil'.     One  should  be  worn  during  the  labor. 

A  small  shawl,  or  blanket  should  be  provided  to 

lay  over  the  chest,  when  the  bed  clothes  are  turned 

back. 

WRAPPERS 

At  least  one  pretty  wrapper  to  be  worn  during 
convalescence  should  be  provided.  It  can  be  called 
a  tea  gown  if  preferred,  as  that  seems  to  do  away 
with  the  flavor  of  invalidism  which  always  clings  to 
the  bed  room  wrapper. 

It  can  be  made  of  surah,  China  or  Japanese  silk, 
crepon,  cashmere,  or  fancy  flannel,  and  be  as  i)lain, 
or  as  elaborate,  as  taste  and  means  will  permit. 
Only  one  thing  is  imperative,  it  should  be  fresh  and 
dainty  looking,  as  befits  the  importance  of  the  oc- 
casion. 

The  train  should  be  short,  as  the  weight  of  a  long 
one  is  tiring  to  the  weak  back.  It  should  open  easily 
in  front  to  permit  of  the  baby  being  nursed  com- 
ibrtably,  if  the  mother  is  so  happy  as  to  be  able  to 
perform  this  duty. 

SLIPPEF*^ 

Pretty  slippers  should  be  chosen  to  wear  with  it, 
14 


210 


PUHPAUATION    Foil    MOTHERHOOD 


either  matching  it  in  color,  or  having  some  special 
ornamentation.  Old  ones  can  be  covered  with  vel- 
vet by  skilful  fingers  and  decorated  with  rosettes,  or 
a  twist  of  ribbon,  or  both,  as  desired. 


NECESSARIES 

Two  or  three  extra  clean  sheets  should  be  in  the 
room  and  a  good  supply  of  clean  towels,  at  least  a 
dozen. 

A  small  blanket,  shawl,  or  large  flannel  petticoat 
should  be  provided  to  wrap  the  baby  in.  A  nest 
should  be  made  in  an  easy  chair,  with  a  pillow  and 
a  blanket  to  receive  it  until  it  can  be  washed. 

A  pair  of  blunt  scissors  and  a  ball  of  soft  white 
wicking  should  be  at  hand  to  cut  and  tie  the  cord. 
Some  doctors  prefer  narrow  tape. 

Two  dozen  medium-sized  safety  pins  should  lie  be- 
side these  to  pin  the  binder.  Gores  are  taken  in  aiul 
pinned  in  place  after  it  is  on,  to  make  it  fit  snugly. 

A  granite  ware  or  wood  pulp  basin  makes  a  good 
receptacle  for  the  placenta,  which  is  cut  in  pieces  by 
the  nurse  and  burned,  or  buried,  after  the  doctor  has 
inspected  it. 

The  baby  is  sometimes  di[)ped  into  hot  water  im- 
mediately after  its  arrival  and  it  is  w^ell  to  have  a 
tin  foot  tub,  or  pail,  large  enough  to  hold  it  in  case 
the  physician  wishes  to  do  this. 


SYRINGES— HOT    WATER    HAG 


211 


Ice  shoiikl  always  be  on  hand  and  a  good  supply 
i)(  hot  water  at  the  time  of  delivery. 


SYRINGES 

A  fountain  syrlno^o  is  indispensable.  The  Tyrian, 
whieh  can  be  converted  into  a  hot  water  bai^  at 
will,  is  a  good  kind  to  purchase.  Many  physicians 
o'ler  a  douche  to  be  given  daily  while  the  discharge 
continues,  and  this  cannot  be  done  without  a  fountain 
syringe. 

A  granite  ware  douche  pan  is  a  great  convenience, 
being  much  lighter  than  an  earthen  ware  one  and 
not  liable  to  be  broken. 

A  good  bulb  syringe  is  needed  if  there  is  a  ten- 
dency to  constipation. 

HOT    WATER   BAG 

The  Tyrian  fountain  syringe  can  be  used  as  a  hot 
water  bag.  Should  another  kind  be  chosen,  a  sepa- 
rate hot  water  bag  should  be  provided,  if  there  is 
not  one  already  amongst  the  houseliold  requisites. 
A  pint  hot  water  bag  for  the  baby  is  a  great 
comfort. 

A  fit  of  colic  can  sometimes  be  prevented,  or  cut 
short,  by  rolling  baby  and  warm  bag  together  in  a 
blanket.  Warmth  is  especially  necessary  to  the 
littk  creature, 


^^^sisisn 


212 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


BED  PAN 

A  bed  pan  is  also  indispensable  as  for  several 
days  the  mother  should  not  sit  up  in  bed  on  any 
pretext  whatever.  The  most  convenient  kind  is  the 
Eureka,  a  small  earthen  one.  It  can  be  much  more 
conveniently  slipped  in  i)lace  and  removed  than  the 
large,  old-fashioned  French  one. 

The  nurse  should  warm  it  by  filling  it  with  hot 
water  and  drying  it  before  it  is  brought  to  the  bod- 
side.  A  flannel  cover,  something  like  a  bag,  may  be 
made  to  fit  over  it  and  makes  it  more  comfortable  to 
use.  A  small  square  of  rubber  cloth  should  be  pro- 
vided to  cover  it  when  it  is  taken  away  and  this 
should  be  kept  clean  by  frequent  sponging  with  car- 
bolic acid  and  water,  1-60. 


BED   TABLE 

A  bed  table  adds  to  the  comfort  of  the  convales- 
cent when  she  can  sit  up  in  bed  to  take  her  meals. 
The  simplest  form  is  a  board  about  twenty-six  inches 
long,  by  fourteen  wide,  standing  on  four  short  legs, 
about  four  inches  long.  A  plain,  homemade  one 
answers  every  purpose,  although  bed  tables  can  be 
bou2:ht  nicelv  finished  and  varnished. 

When  one  is  not  to  be  had,  a  large  pillow  with  a 
tow^l  spread  over  it  makes  a  tolerable  substitute. 

Tables  to  stand  at  the  side  of  the  bed  caa  be 


WASn   CLOTHES 


213 


vcral 
I  any 
is  tlio 
more 
m  the 

th  hot 
}  bod- 
lUiv  hv 
ible  to 
)e  ])!'()- 
id  this 
ith  car- 


h  vales- 
meals, 
inches 
't  legs, 
le  one 
3an  be 


taincd,  that  are  made  to  serve  as  bed  tables.  In 
these  the  point  of  support  for  the  top  is  plaeed  at 
one  end.  A  screw  permits  it  to  be  raised  and 
lowered  as  desired.  The  top  can  be  swung  into 
place  in  front  of  the  invalid  and  turned  back  when 
not  in  use. 

WASH   CLOTHS 

Several  wash  cloths  of  soft  Turkish  towelling 
siiould  be  provided,  a  bunch  of  absorbent  cotton,  a 
roll  of  old  cotton,  or  linen,  as  napkins,  or  parts  of 
a  tablecloth,  and  ajar  of  vaseline  separate  from  that 
to  be  used  for  the  baby. 

If  the  nurse  arrives  in  time  she  should  be  shown 
wliere  the  different  articles  are  kept.  They  should 
I'C  collected  and  arranged  some  time  before  there  is  a 
probability  of  their  being  needed.  There  is  alwavs 
a  possibility  of  their  being  required  prematurely  and 
if  tiiis  should  be  the  case  their  absence  may  occasion 
serious  hiconvenieuce. 


[with  a 

lute. 

Ibe 


rcssBaraai 


CHAPTER  XIII 


THE   IDEAL 


THE   MENTAL   STATE 


0'      I 


The  expectant  mother  who  earnestly  desires  the 
best  good  of  her  chikl,  has  other  duties  to  perform 
beside  providing  for  its  physical  comfort  and  safety. 

Its  whole  life  will  be  biassed  by  the  influences 
which  surround  it  during  this  formative  period. 
Temper  and  disposition  are  being  fashioned  as  surely 
as  feet  and  hands,  face  and  fingers. 

While  we  cannot  understand  the  mysteries  of  he- 
redity,  nor  the  part  which  even  remote  ancestors  have 
in  the  formation  of  that  complex  whole,  the  new-borii 
cliikl,  we  do  know  that  the  mental  state  of  the 
mother  has  much  to  do  with  the  temperament  of  her 
oflspring. 

A  nervous,  excitable  woman,  who  refuses  to  at- 
tempt to  exercise  self-control  during  this  time,  will 
find  her  baby  irritable  and  easily  startled,  if  not  crut^s 
and  peevish. 
(214) 


PHYSICAL    IMPRESSIONS 


215 


Calmness  of  mind,  a  refusal  to  be  (Usturbed  by 
trifles,  will  bring  its  reward  in  a  placid,  good-tem- 
pered baby. 

From  the  first  the  mind  should  be  filled  as  far  as 
possible  with  pleasant  images.  Interesting  books 
should  be  read,  beautiful  pictures,  or  natural  scenery, 
dwelt  upon  and  everything  that  excites  disagreeable 
emotions  put  as  far  away  as  possible. 

Many  an  expectant  mother  would  refrain  from  an 
outburst  of  temper,  an  angry  retort,  or  a  fit  of 
sulks,  if  she  gave  herself  time  to  think,  "This  may 
injure  my  baby.'* 

The  ideal  should  be  kept  constantly  before  the 
iinao:ination.  It  is  more  easv  to  do  so  with  the  first 
child,  when  love  and  tenderness  surround  the  young 
wile  and  she  has  few  serious  cares  to  disturb  her. 
By  the  time  that  the  fourth,  or  fifth,  comes,  and  the 
other  little  children  are  constantlv  domandinti;  atten- 
tion  and  wearying  the  overtaxed  mother,  she  finds 
the  task  a  difficult  one  indeed.  Yet  justice  to  the 
latest  comer  requires  that  it  shall  be  at  least  at- 
tempted. 

PHYSICAL    IMPRESSIONS 

Physical  impressions  may  be  made  u])on  the 
child  at  a  very  early  period  of  its  existence.  I^  is 
said  that  the  deformities  of  cleft  ])alate  and  hare  lip 
are  impossible  after  the  second  month. 


^Bsam 


maaai 


liiiiiiiiiiniiiiisi 


216 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


FEARS 

Many  mothers  suffer  mueh  from  the  fear  tliat 
their  children  niav  be  defornud,  or  marked  in  sonic 
way.  It  is  never  well  to  dwell  upon  these  thinjxs. 
AVhen  they  press  for  recognition,  they  should  he 
resolutely  put  away  for  pleasanter  reflections. 

It  is  a  great  comfort  to  know  that  though  these 
accidents  do  happen,  they  are  comparatively  lare  aid 
that  most  of  them  can  be  remedied,  if  treated  h\  a 
skilful  surgeon  early  in  the  child's  life.  No  time 
should  be  lost  in  getting  the  best  advice  that  can  be 
procured,  if  it  should  be  needed. 

Many  children  have  unimportant  marks  in  ]>laces 
where  they  are  of  no  consequence,  as  they  are  seldom 
seen. 

Another  fear  that  haunts  the  large  majority  of 
expectant  mothers  is,  that  they  may  not  survive  tli(> 
ordeal  through  which  they  must  pass.  This  canudt 
be  summarily  dismissed,  but  in  far  the  greater  num- 
ber of  cases  it  is  unfounded. 

Childbirth  is  a  natural  process,  not  a  disease,  and 
the  proportion  of  safe  deliveries  is  very  large. 

Since  the  introduction  of  antiseptics  and  the  deli- 
cate cleanliness  which  they  have  brought  in  their 
train,  the  chance  of  unfavorable  after  complications 
is  materially  diminished.  Better  nursing  has  helped 
to  swell  the  list  of  recoveries. 


SELF  DENIAL 


217 


There  is  danger  in  every  step  of  our  daily  life. 
We  cannot  enter  a  carriage,  nor  take  the  shortest 
journey  by  land,  or  sea,  that  we  do  not  imperil  our 
lives.  They  are  in  the  hand  of  a  wise  and  loving 
Fatlicr,  who  in  His  own  good  time  will  call,  us 
homo.  That  moment  cannot  be  delaved,  or  has- 
leued,  by  anything  that  we  can  do.  If  we  are  in 
the  path  of  duty  we  may  safely  leave  the  result  to 
Him. 

The  young  expectant  mother  should  close  her 
ears  to- the  stories  that  some  of  her  acquaintances 
will  only  be  too  ready  to  tell  her. 

Difficult  confinements  do  occasionally  occur ;  they 
are  not  likely  to  take  place  with  those  who  have 
lived  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  nature  and 
come  to  the  trial  well  prepared  physically. 

Since  the  introduction  of  anesthetics  there  is  no 
need  to  drcad  excessive  pain.  The  physician  always 
carries  ether,  or  chloroform,  and  will  use  it  if  the 
noeessity  arises. 

To  dwell  on  accidents  which  in  all  probability 
will  never  happen,  is  as  foolish  as  it  would  be  to 
sjHjil  the  pleasure  of  a  voyage  by  the  constant  dread 
of  shipwreck. 

SELF    DENIAL 

Dr.  Charles  M.  Green,  in  an  address  read  before 
the  Boston  Society  for  Medical  Improvement,  em- 


218 


PRP:PA RATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


phasizes  a  point  that  is  often  overlooked  for  the 
preservation  of  mental  tranquillity.  Dr.  Green  is 
an  obstetric  physician  in  large  practice.  He  savs 
in  substance : 

^' To  many  women  I  believe  coitus  during  prctr- 
nancy  is  distasteful,  to  many  even  obnoxious,  to  al), 
in  my  opinion,  it  is  more  or  less  injurious.  Aside 
from  the  mechanical  disturbance  of  the  uterus,  the 
pelvic  vessels  are  injuriously  congested,  the  nervous 
system  first  excited  then  depressed  and  it  is  often  a 
cause  of  miscarriage,  especially  at  a  menstrual 
epoch.  So  far  as  my  knowledge  of  the  animal  crea- 
tion goes,  the  pregnant  female  will  fight  if  necessary 
to  protect  herself.  Certainly  among  enlightened 
human  beings,  men  who  have  at  heart  tlu^  welfare 
of  wife  and  children  should  be  willing  to  forego  this 
indulgence  during  the  time  when  the  wife  needs  all 
her  vital  powers  for  her  own  well-being,  and  thai  of 
her  expected  offspring.  Many  men  and  women 
err  through  ignorance,  and  are  grateful  for  advice  on 
this  subject.'^  With  delicate  women  it  is  said  to  be 
a  common  cause  of  miscarriage. 


HEREDITARY    DISEASE 


When  there  is  an  hereditary  disease  latent  in  the 
family  on  either  side,  the  expectant  mother  may  very 
properly  give  her  attention  to  the  best  means  of 


IIEllEDITAIiY    DISEASE 


219 


counteracting  it,  and  arresting  its  development  in  her 
child. 

Tiie  modern  tboory  is  that  children  in  this  case 
are  born  with  a  predisposition  towards  the  disease  in 
question.  They  a-e  moresnsceptible  to  its  influence 
than  others.  If  ::hey  become  inoculated  with  the 
ircrni  it  falls  on  soil  favorable  to  its  growth,  and  they 
are  more  likely  to  fall  victims  to  it  than  they  other- 
wise would  have  been. 

This  weak  point  should  be  guarded  and  strength- 
ened by  every  means  in  the  mother's  power.  From 
kilnhood,  the  child  should  be  surrounded  with  all 
the  helps  that  mother-love  can  devise,  and  mother- 
wisdom  execute. 

Pure  air,  proper  })hysical  exercise,  suitable  food 
will  upbuild  weak  lungs  and  enable  them  to  resist 
tlic  inroads  of  the  dread  germ  of  tuberculosis.  So 
through  the  list  of  hereditary  diseases.  Competent 
advice  should  be  sought  from  the  earliest  years,  and 
the  directions  i2:iven  be  falthfullv  followed. 

^Fany  mothers  have  sad  reason  to  dread  that  th^ir 
children  will  bo  born  with  an  inherited  taste  for 
alcohol  and  a  tendency  to  indulge  in  it  to  excess. 
It  is  a  rcid  danger  when  the  father  is  a  victim  to 
this  habit.  Yet  d^snger  does  not  always  mean  disaster, 
and  in  no  case  does  the  old  proverb,  ^'  forewarned  is 
forearmed,"  apply  with  stronger  force  than  in  this. 


Tsmm 


e^ 


220 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


l!  I 


After  prolonged  alcoholic  excesses  the  tissues 
become  diseased  and  demand  the  stimulant  to  wliich 
they  liave  become  accustomed.  Men  in  this  con- 
dition cannot  transmit  healthy  tissue  to  their  otl- 
spring;  they  have  not  got  it  to  give.  What  \vn-  at 
first  a  sin  of  the  will,  becomes  a  transgression  ot  the 
bodv. 

It  is  the  mother's  part  to  counteract  this  baleful 
lieritage.  By  means  of  proper  food,  as  her  child 
grows  older,  little  meat,  no  condiments  except  salt, 
plenty  of  fruit,  vegetables,  and  the  cereals,  she  may 
hope  to  build  up  healthy  tissue,  which  will  have  iiu 
abnormal  craving  for  stimulants. 

Above  all  she  must  never  permit  alcohol  to  \w 
tasted.  When  the  child  is  of  an  age  to  be  cajKt])l(' 
of  understanding  it  she  should  explain  to  him  tin 
reason  for  the  prohibition  in  his  case.  He  shduld 
know  that  for  him  it  is  a  subtle  poison,  as  deadly, 
if  not  as  sudden  in  its  effect,  as  strychnia,  or  arsenic. 

If  his  will  can  be  enlisted  on  the  side  of  self-coii- 
quest  the  battle  is  more  than  half  won. 

Mothers  who  have  this  dread  enemy  to  fiirlit 
should  read  Helen  Campbell's  little  book,  "  Some 
Passages  in  the  Practice  of  Dr.  Martha  Scarbor- 
ough. "  It  is  published  by  Roberts  Brothers, 
Boston,  and  is  full  of  comfort,  encouragement,  and 
wise  practical  suggestions. 


OCCUPATION 


221 


tissues 

0  wliicli 

his  cnll- 
hcir  iitV- 
it  wti-  at 
jn  of  I he 

s  baleful 

ler  cliil^l 

cept  suit, 

she  may 

1  have  no 

^lol  to  he 
eajwhle 

him  till' 

e  sliouM 
Us  deadly. 

r  arsenic. 

self-coii- 


to  fiudit 
''  Some 
Scarhor- 


•others, 
lent,  and 


God  helps  those  who  help  themselves.  If  the 
mother,  through  ignorance,  or  wilfulness,  has  given 
to  her  children  a  father  who  may  bequeath  to  them 
this  deadly  inheritance,  it  is  her  duty  to  help  them 
to  overcome  it,  and  not  to  sit  by  with  folded  hands 
and  see  them  ruin  themselves  without  making  one 
aile(iuate  effort  to  save  them. 

They  are  few  defects,  physical  or  mental  to  which 
the  human  race  is  subject  that  cannot  be  benefited 
hy  wise  treatment,  begun  early  and  carried  out  with 
unremitting  perseverance. 

OCCUPATION 

There  is  nothing  like  constant  occupation  to  keep 
the  mind  tranquil  and  composed.  A  succession  of 
ahsorbing  interests  will  do  more  to  promote  cheer- 
fulness than  anv  other  means  that  can  be  devised. 

A  woman  is  wrong  to  shut  herself  up  from  out- 
side pleasures  at  this  time.  If  she  is  properly  dressed 
there  is  no  reason  why  for  many  months  she  should 
not  go  to  concerts,  the  theatre,  or  other  public  places 
wiiere  she  finds  agreeable  diversion. 

If  she  is  obliged  to  stay  within  doors  she  should 
occupy  her  leisure  moments  with  light  literature, 
music,  attending  to  house  plants,  if  her  fancy  lies  in 
that  direction,  or  whatever  pleasant  employment  she 
best  likes. 


222 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


The  crown  of  womanhood  is  coming  to  lier.  She 
should  meet  it  with  anticipations  of  the  happiness 
that  will  be  hers  when  she  enters  into  full  possession 
of  her  kingdom,  not  with  forebodings  which  turn  her 
joy  into  sadness. 


INFLUENCE   ON  SEX 

The  desire  of  the  mother  appears  to  have  little  in- 
fluence upon  the  sex  of  the  child.  As  has  been  al- 
ready said  this  seems  to  depend  upon  some  mysterious 
law  whose  workings  have  not  yet  been  discovered 
and  to  be  determined  very  early  in  its  existence. 

In  a  premature  birth  the  sex  can  be  distingui<lied 
by  the  middle  of  the  fourth  month. 

When  the  parents  have  sufficient  resolution  it  is 
better  not  to  set  the  heart  upon  either  a  son  or  a 
daughter.  The  disappointment  is  very  hard  to 
bear,  if  it  comes,  especially  to  the  mother  in  lur 
weak  state.  At  first,  that  is  with  the  elder  children. 
it  is  a  matter  of  less  importance,  but  after  several  of 
the  same  sex  have  appeared  the  desire  for  a  change 
is  uro-ent  and  natural. 

There  being  no  known  means  of  effecting  it  uitli 
certainty,  it  is  the  part  of  wisdom  to  summon  all  the 
philosophy  that  can  be  mustered  and  submit  to  the 
inevitable  with  fortitude.  There  are  always  conv 
j)ensations  to  those  who  look  for  them, 


INTELLECTUAL  CAPACITY 


223 


INTELLECTUA  L     CA  PACIT  Y 

How  fur  it  is  possible  for  a  mother  by  conscious 
mental  effort  to  influence  the  intellectual  capacity  of 
her  child  cannot  be  decided.  Any  strong  bias  on 
lier  part  will  probably  be  transmitted  to  it,  just  as  a 
stroiit!;  physical  impression  is  apt  to  be. 

A  mother  who  was  alarmed  not  long  before  the 
birth  of  her  child  by  an  outbreak  of  fire  gave  to  it  a 
dread  of  flame  and  a  dislike  for  the  sudden  shining 
uf  bright  light  which  persisted  through  childhood  at 
least. 

The  mothers  of  great  men  have  generally  been  re- 
markable women.  It  is  the  characteristics  of  the 
mother  that  are  usually  inherited  most  conspicuously 
by  ber  boys.  The  sons  of  a  genius  seldom  display 
anv  considerable  share  of  the  talents  of  the  father. 


INFLUENCE   OF   THE   MOTHER 

Even  the  physical  peculiarities  of  the  mother 
descend  more  surely  to  the  sons  than  the  daughters, 
wlidse  tendency  is  to  follow  the  paternal  type. 

Dental  surgeons  tell  us  that  dauixhters  have  teeth 
of  the  same  order  as  those  of  the  father,  while 
tlie  teeth  of  the  sons  resemble  those  of  the  mother. 

While  we  cannot  lift  the  veil  that  shrouds  the 
mysteries  of  inherited  tendencies,  v/e  do  know  that 
the  mother  has  much  in  her  power.     Peace  of  mind, 


224 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


purity,  sweetness  of  temper,  form  an  atmosj)lierc 
favorable  to  the  best  mental  development  of  the 
tender  being  she  is  nourishing. 

If  unhappily  the  father  is  likely  to  have  cotn- 
mtinicated  opposite  qualities  as  his  share  of  the  in- 
evitable hereditary  birthright,  she  must  only  strive 
the  more  earnestly  to  overcome  them  by  the  su- 
perior force  of  her  own  stronger  influence  for  good. 

Even  after  birth,  if  the  nursing  mother  is  subjected 
to  strong  excitement,  auger,  emotion,  or  fatigue,  it 
affects  her  milk  injuriously  and  through  that  the 
child  is  disturbed  and  injured. 

Before  birth,  when  the  connection  is  so  much 
closer  and  more  intimate,  the  power  of  influence  is 
proportionately  stronger  and  more  capable  of  work- 
ing permanent  results.  It  is  a  solemn  thought  that 
a  bias  for  good,  or  evil,  is  being  given  not  to  one 
child  only,  but  through  it  to  others  of  succeeding 
generations. 

Is  it  not  a  isoole  ambition  to  leave  an  impress  for 
good  on  the  human  race,  to  help  to  raise  it  by  giv- 
ing to  it  worthy  sons  and  daughters? 

Every  mother  desires  a  prosperous  future  for  her 
child.  Let  her  endeavor  as  far  as  in  her  lies  to 
bring  it  into  the  world  with  such  a  temper  and  dis- 
position, such  tendencies  and  capabilities,  as  will 
ensure  for  it  success. 


INFU'ENCE   OF   THE   MOTIIEK 


225 


Iftliore  ri  ever  a  time  in  ii  woinan's  life  wlicn  she 
should  strive  to  be  (inseliisli,  subordinating  lier  own 
wishes  and  feelings  to  the  good  of  another,  it  surely 
i.-;  ill  these  months  of  preparation.  Her  reward  may 
sccin  slow  in  coming,  but  she  will  have  it  if  she  does 
Ikm"  duty  faithfully.  As  certainly  as  the  harvest 
follows  the  seed  time  she  will  reap  what  she  sows 
now.  The  cares  and  anxieties,  the  temporary  in- 
convenience and  suiTering  will  })ass  away  and  be 
furgotten,  the  fruit  of  her  self-conquest  will  remain. 


10 


mmim^ 


CHAPTER  XIV 


AILMENTS 


Some  women  are  fortunate  enough  to  feel  per- 
fectly well  during  the  whole  period  of  pregnaiicv. 
There  are  exceptionally  lucky  ones  who  say  they 
never  feel  better  in  their  lives  than  at  this  tin^o,  but 
they  are  tlie  exception  rather  than  the  rule. 

No  doubt  if  more  attention  were  paid  to  the  laws 
of  health,  this  desirable  condition  of  affairs  would 
exist  far  more  frequently  than  it  does  and  be  the  rule, 
not  the  exception. 

Proper  food  and  clothing,  bathing  and  ventilation, 
exorcise  and  rest  from  the  first  conduce  to  it  and 
make  it  possible. 


SENSE   OF   WEIGHT 

There  is  always  a  little  discomfort  after  the  third 
month  from  the  increasing  size  and  sense  of  wei<]^iit. 
This  is  best  relieved,  as  has  been  already  said,  bv  a 

well-fitted  bandage,  which  should  fit  snugly  but  nut 
(226) 


MORNING   SICKNESS 


227 


press  tightly.  It  can  be  fastened  with  straps  and 
buckles,  such  as  are  sold  for  men's  trouser  straps, 
admitting  of  its  being  adjusted  comfortably  and 
loosened  as  desired.  A  good  one  can  be  made  by 
the  Buttcrick  pattern  No.  3186. 

The  importance  of  rubbing  the  breasts  and  abdo- 
invn  with  oil  to  facilitate  the  stretching  of  the  skin 
has  already  been  mentioned. 


MORNING   SICKNESS 

This  unpleasant  feeling  is  usually  one  of  the  early 
signs  of  pregnancy.  It  generally  ceases  after  the 
third  month,  but  may  continue  through  the  whole 
period. 

Although  it  is  annoying  and  disagreeable  it  is  not 
danoerous,  unless  it  interferes  with  tlie  takin<»:  and 
r(>tain.ing  of  a  sufficient  amount  of  food. 

It  is  all  important  that  the  expectant  mother 
should  be  able  to  take  enough  nouri  'unent  to  supjdy 
the  double  demand  upon  her.  She  iiust  be  in  good 
condition  for  the  effort  that  awaits  her. 

The  nausea  is  often  caused  by  the  inability  o.  the 
system  to  respond  immediately  to  the  fresh  call  upon 
its  resources.  The  mother  cannot  })roduce  at  once 
enough  blood  for  her  own  pt»^s  and  those  of  the 
child.  Her  nerve  C-iit^n-s  ire  starved  and  the 
stomach,  being  a  sensitive  organ,  rebels.     She  must 


228 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


try  to  coax  it  into  submission  and  in  time  the  body 
will  adjust  itself  to  the  new  conditions. 

It  is  best  to  cat  a  liglit  supper  before  going  to  bod 
as  tlie  long  fast  of  the  night  is  injurious.  In  tht 
morning,  before  sitting  up  in  bed,  a  warm  drink 
should  be  taken.  A  glass  of  hot  milk  with  one- 
quarter  lime  water,  or  instead  of  the  latter,  apolli- 
iiaris,  or  vichy,  is  excellent.  A  cup  of  tei.  wills  a 
soda  biscuit,  or  a  cup  of  cocoa,  made  with  half  luilk 
and  half  water,  is  more  acceptable  to  some  persons. 
There  should  be  no  haste  in  getting  up,  rise  slowly 
and  dress  leisurely. 

An  effervescing  water,  as  soda  water  withont 
syrup,  will  sometimes  give  relief.  Soda  mint  tablets 
taken  when  the  nausea  is  first  felt  are  effectual  in 
some  cases. 

A  mustard  paste  over  the  stomach,  left  on  until 
the  skin  reddens,  but  not  long  enough  to  blister,  may 
assist  in  giving  relief.  Sometimes  a  day  or  two 
spent  in  bed,  lying  quietly  on  the  back,  improves 
the  condition. 

An  ice  bag  applied  to  the  back  of  the  neck,  ex- 
tending as  high  as  possible,  and  bits  of  ice  allowed 
to  dissolve  slowlv  iu  the  moutii,  mav  control  vomit - 


may 


iu<r. 


If  the  stomach  is  out  of  order  the  do(  tor  should 
be  asked  tt   i/rescribe,  as  there  aie    many  simple 


W' 


$ 


M*Mrt«IMHMMMH 


MORNING  SICKNESS 


229 


remedies  that  can  be  tried.  This  raav  be  the  case 
where  there  has  been  a  previous  tendency  to  indi- 
gestion, or  the  sufferer  is  naturally  inclined  to  what 
— for  want  of  a  better  word — we  call  '^  billiousness." 
It  is  very  important  that  the  bowels  should  be  reg- 
ularly relieved.  Any  accumulation  there  reacts 
unfavorably  upon  the  stomach. 

It  is  best  to  try  to  eat,  even  if  the  food  is  rejected 
afterwards.  Sometimes  the  nausea  does  not  affect 
tlieappetitCj  at  others  it  is  intensified  at  the  sight  of 
food.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  eat  a  little  at  a  time  and 
more  often  than  usual,  if  it  is  found  that  in  this  way 
there  are  fewer  disagrceal)le  sensations.  The  nausea 
may  be  held  in  check  by  never  permitting  the 
stomach  to  be  quite  empty  during  the  waking 
hours.     It  can  rest  while  its  tired  owner  is  asleep. 

If  solid  food  cannot  be  borne,  liquids  must  be 
taken  in  small  quantities;  beef  juice,  beef  tea,  chicken 
iu'oth,  mutton  bruth,  clam  or  oyster  broth,  koumiss, 
l)uttermilk  if  it  is  liked,  all  are  usually  more  easily 
retained  than  milk.  When  the  latter  is  given  it 
should  be  diluted  with  lime  water  or  vichy  and  is 
often  more  acceptable  heatetl  than  cold.  It  should 
not  he  allowed  to  boil.     It  may  also  be  peptonized. 

When  liquids  pall,  scraped  beef  may  be  tried.  A 
pivce  of  juicy  steak  is  scraped  fin?,  every  particle  of 
membrane  being  rejected.     The  meat  is  then  rolled 


230 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


into  tiny  balls  with  powdered  cracker  crumbs  and 
eaten.  It  may  be  spread  between  very  thin  pieces 
of  bread  to  form  a  sandwich,  or  the  balls  mav  be 
held  for  an  instant  over  very  hot  coals  to  brown  the 
outside.     It  can  be  seasoned  vv-itii  celery  salt. 

Sometimes  plain  hot  water,  as  hot  as  it  can  he 
sippt  1       W  relieve  the  nausea  for  a  time. 

AVhen  -t  Is  found  that  a  change  of  food  and  the 
home  lemedies  do  not  control  it,  the  vomiting 
should  not  be  permitted  to  persist  without  taking 
further  measures  to  check  it.  The  physician  should 
be  consulted  before  the  sufferer's  strength  is  impaired. 

INDIGESTION 

There  may  be  indigestion  without  nausea,  al- 
though this  is  uncommon  when  the  diet  is  carefully 
attended  to  and   only  digestible  food  is  eaten. 

There  may  be  a  disagreeable,  burning  sensation 
in  the  stomach  oi*  an  acid  taste  in  the  mouth. 

Half  a  teaspoon ful  of  baking  soda  dissolved  in 
half  a  tumbler  of  water  and  taken  slowly,  a  little  at 
a  time,  may  relieve  the  condition.  A  glass  of  hot 
water  made  pleasantly  acid  with  lemon  juice  is  often 
eifectual.  No  sugar  should  be  added  to  it  and  sugar 
should  be  used  very  sparingly  in  the  food,  sweet 
things  being  avoided  entirely  for  a  time. 

If  relief  is  not  obtained,  the  doctor  should  be  con- 


CONSTIPATION 


231 


suited.  It  is  so  necessary  to  tlie  welfare  of  mother 
and  cliild  that  food  should  be  properly  digested  and 
assimilated  that  anything  which  interferes  with  the 
proper  i)erformance  of  these  functions  should  be  re- 
moved as  soon  as  possible. 

Drinkin"^  very  little  fluid  with  the  meals,  a  suflfi- 
dent  quantity  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  system 
being  taken  at  other  times,  may  be  tried.  The  gas- 
tric juice  is  thus  left  free  to  do  its  work,  undiluted 
by  a  quantity  of  liquid  which  interferes  with  its 
efficiency. 

Perfect  rest  for  a  time  after  eating  may  alleviate 
the  pangs  of  indigestion.  All  the  powers  of  the 
body  can  then  be  directed  to  the  great  business  of 
beginning  the  digestion  of  the  food  taken.  If  it  is 
})()ssible  to  sleep  for  an  hour  after  dinner  so  much 
the  better.  If  not  it  is  well  to  lie  down  and  read  an 
anuising  book  that  will  not  overtax  the  mind.  At 
no  time  should  active  exercise  be  taken  immodiately 
after  eating.  This  rule  should  be  observed  with 
especial  care  when  the  digestive  organs  are  weak  and 
unequal  to  the  work  they  have  to  do. 


CONSTIPATION 


This  is  one  of  the  most  annoying  ailments  the 
expectant  mother  has  to  encounter.  During  the 
latter  mouths  the  proper  action  of  the  bowels  is  me- 


-'I,' 


232 


prp:paration  for  motherhood 


i  1 


chanically  interfered  with  by  the  pressure  upon 
them  from  the  enlarging  body  in  the  abdomen. 

It  is  unwise  to  seek  relief  from  laxative  medicino, 
for  this  onlv  intensifies  the  evil.  If  the  difficultv 
has  persisted  for  some  time  and  there  has  been  no 
movement  for  five  or  six  days,  as  sometimes  hap- 
pens with  inexperienced  persons,  a  tablespoonful  of 
castor  oil  is  the  safest  remedy.  When  the  intestine 
is  emptied,  measures  must  be  taken  to  prevent  a  re- 
cur) <^nc„  of  the  condition. 

Castor  oil  can  be  obtained  put  up  in  large  cap- 
sules. It  is  very  nauseous  and  must  be  taken  sci- 
entifically if  given   pure,  or  it  will  not  be  retained. 

AVhen  it  can  be  obtained,  a  piece  of  ice  should  be 
held  in  the  month  for  a  minute  previously,  to  par- 
alyze the  nerves  of  taste.  The  oil  should  be  poured 
in  a  wine  glass  of  ice  water,  when  it  forms  a  ball  and 
the  whole  can  be  swallowed  without  much  difficultv. 
A  little  lemon  juice  or  peppermint  water  helps  to 
remove  lingering  traces  of  the  flavor. 

When  there  is  a  chronically  torpid  condition  of 
the  bowels,  an  enema  is  the  best  means  of  securing;  a 
daily  evacuation.  A  bulb  syringe  is  used  and  from 
one  pint  to  one  quart  of  hot  water.  A  little  soap 
may  be  added  by  passing  a  cake  through  the  water 
a  few  times.  The  temperature  should  not  be  un- 
comfortably warm. 


CONSTIPATION 


233 


The  larger  the  quantity  taken  and  the  longer  it  is 
is  retained  the  more  copious  the  result  will  be.  This 
should  be  remembered  in  case  of  obstinate  constipa- 
tion. For  constant  use  the  amount  of  fluid  should 
be  as  small  as  possible,  not  to  produce  over  disten- 
siun  of  the  bowel  and  subsequent  torpidity. 

A  very  small  quantity  of  glycerine,  two  teaspoon- 
fuls,  is  equally  effectual  in  some  cases.  This  has  to 
be  administered  with  a  little  hard-rubber  syringe 
that  comes  for  the  purpose,  as  a  bulb  syringe  will 
not  take  up  so  minute  a  poition. 

The  glycerine  is  also  stiffened  with  gelatine  and 
made  into  suppositories  which  can  be  purchased  by 
the  box  from  any  druggist.  One  is  inserted  into 
rectum  with  the  fingers  and  is  followed  in  about 
fifteen  minutes  by  a  movement. 

Gluten  suppositories  are  made  by  the  Health 
Food  Company  which  act  very  well  with  some  per- 
sons. 

Strict  attention  to  the  diet  is  one  of  the  best  means 
of  preventing  constipation. 

Plenty  of  fruit,  fresh,  or  cooked,  vegetab^^s,  es- 
pecially tomatoes,  and  the  cereals,  with  little  meat, 
have  a  laxative  effect.  Stewed  prunes  are  almost  a 
specific  with  many  persons,  particularly  if  molasses 
is  used  with  them  instead  of  sugar. 

A  glass  of  hot  or  cold  water  immediately  upon 


mm 


234 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


rising  is  efficacious.  Constipation  is  sometimes  due 
to  the  want  of  sufficient  fluid  in  the  intestine. 

Two  or  tliree  figs  soaked  in  w^ater  over  night  and 
eaten  before  breakfast  are  not  a  disagreeable  renudy. 
An  orange,  taken  at  the  same  time  in  the  morning, 
may  be  substituted  if  preferred. 

Fresh  fruit  eaten  when  the  stomach  is  empty  is 
more  apt  to  produce  the  desired  effect  than  if  taken 
after  a  meaL 

When  medicine  is  taken,  it  should  be  of  the  sim- 
plest kind.  A  glass  of  some  laxative  mineral  water, 
as  Hunyadi  Janos,  drunk  while  dressing,  is  perhaps 
the  best. 

Compound  liquorice  powder,  which  owes  its  effi- 
cacy to  the  senna  it  contains,  is  a  gentle  aperient. 
A  teaspoonful  may  be  taken  at  night  mixed  with 
a  little  water. 

It  is  very  unwise  to  use  patent  pills,  or  medicine 
of  any  kind  w^hose  ingredients  are  unkiKtwn. 
Powerful  drugs  are  unsuited  to  the  case  and  will  do 
more  harm  than  good.  If  some  of  the  means  men- 
tioned do  not  give  speedy  and  sufficient  relief,  the 
advice  of  a  physician  is  needed  and  should  be  ob- 
tained. 

Under  no  circumstances  should  the  condition  of 
constipation  be  allowed  to  continue.  The  intestine 
becomes  filled  with  waste  material  wdiich  deooni- 


PILES 


235 


posos  where  it  lies  and  gives  off  an  effluvia  most  in- 
jurious to  the  system.  A  process  of  slow  self 
pdisoning  is  instituted,  which  must  affect  not  only 
the  mother  but  the  child. 

Headache,  neuralgic  pains,  and  various  disturb- 
ances of  the  digestion  are  the  direct  result  of  a  want 
of  regular  and  sufficient  evacuations. 

PILES 

These  are  small  tumors  about  the  rectum  and  are 
a  frequent  accompaniment  of  constipation,  though 
they  do  appear  when  the  bowels  are  regular.  They 
are  an  enlargement  of  the  tiny  veins  of  the  intestine, 
due  to  pressure,  either  of  an  accumulation  of  waste 
matter,  which  ought  to  be  discharged,  or  of  the  en- 
lar»»;ino^  uterus. 

When  they  are  within  the  passage,  out  of  sight, 
they  are  called  internal  piles.  Tiiere  presence  is 
known  by  streaks  of  blood  appearing  in  the  move- 
ments, from  one  having  ruptured  as  the  mass  pressed 
upon  it ;  or  by  a  slight  burning,  smarting  pain  after 
a  motion. 

They  are  known  as  external  piles  when  they  ap- 
pear as  little  bunches,  varying  in  size,  around  the 
opening  of  the  rectum.  If  they  become  inflamed 
they  are  very  painful,  otherwise  they  do  not  cause 
much  discomfort.     When  they  are  very  large  they 


236 


PREPARATION   FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


are  pressed  upon  in  sitting  and  thus  give  pain. 
They  may  increase  to  the  size  of  an  egg  if  inflamma- 
tion sets  in.  Even  then  rest  and  treatment  usually 
speedily  reduces  them. 

Wlien  the  tendency  to  them  is  first  observed,  a 
well-fitting  bandage  should  be  worn  to  support  tlic 
weight  in  the  abdomen.  The  suiferer  should  lie 
down  frequently  during  the  day  and  the  parts  should 
be  bathed  with  very  hot,  or  cold  water,  whichever 
gives  most  relief. 

If  constipation  is  the  cause,  the  bowels  should  be 
regulated,  a  free  movement  being  secured  once  a  day. 

The  itching  may  be  relieved  by  anointing  them 
with  carbolized  vaseline,  which  can  be  obtained 
from  a  druggist. 

When  the  piles  bleed,  a  piece  of  cotton  wool  soaked 
in  extract  of  witch  hazel  may  be  gently  pressed  into 
the  rectum.  Bathing  them  with  it  at  other  times 
eases  the  pain. 

An  astringent  ointment  of  nut  galls  is  useful  for 
external  piles. 

If  they  continue  in  spite  of  home  treatment,  the 
doctor  should  be  informed,  as  they  may  need  more 
vigorous  measures,  that  can  only  be  undertaken  by 
a  physician. 

EDEMA 

Sometimes  other  parts  swell  and  are  uncomforta- 


SWELLING   OF   THE   LEGS 


237 


ble,  seeming  to  contain  fluid.  Unless  the  enlarge- 
nii'iit  is  very  great,  rest  on  tlie  back  and  the  appli- 
cation of  cold  water  will  give  relief.  When  this  is 
111  it  effectual  in  reducing  the  swelling,  the  doctor 
sliould  be  informed. 


SWELLING    OF   THE    LEGS 

The  pressure  of  the  enlarged  uterus  on  the  trunks 
of  the  great  veins  in  the  abdomen,  which  carry 
hii(;k  the  blood  from  the  legs  on  its  way  to  the  heart, 
may  cause  the  legs  to  swell. 

Jf  this  swelling  is  slight,  little  attention  need  be 
paid  to  it  beyond  keeping  the  feet  raised  on  a  chair 
whenever  there  is  an  opportunity  to  sit  down.  If 
it  extends  to  the  knees,  or  there  is  puffiness  of  the 
lower  eyelids,  or  a  diminution  in  the  quantity  of 
water  passed,  medical  advice  should  be  had. 

Moderate  exercise  is  not  injurious  unless  the 
swelling  is  excessive.  Bathing  the  legs  in  cold  water 
and  raising  the  feet  on  a  pillow  when  lying  down 
help  to  subdue  it. 

Gentle  rubbing  of  the  legs  upward  ioi  a  few  min- 
utes several  times  during  the  day  helps  to  improve 
the  circulation   and  reduce  the  swelling. 

If  the  skin  is  tightly  stretched  and  causes  a  dis- 
agreeable tense  feeling,  it  should  be  freely  anointed 
^vith  warm  oil,  the  legs  wrapped  in  flaunel  aad 


238 


PRFPA RATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


sli<»litly  elevated,  and  the  sufferer  remain  in  bed  fur 
a  time. 

Tlie  easiest  way  U)  warm  oil  is  to  pour  a  little  in 
a  eup  and  set  theeup  in  hot  water.  Its  iK'conios 
warm  enouj^h,  as  a  hi^h  dej^ree  of  heat  eannot  I)u 
borne.  In  all  eases  of  swellin<^  of  the  legs,  or  vari- 
cose veins,  an  abdominal  bandage  should  be  worn  to 
support  the  uterus  and  relieve  the  pressure  as  mueli 
as  possible. 

VARICOSE    VEINS 

This  condition  of  the  veins  is  not  peculiar  to 
pregnancy. 

Many  p-^rsons  seem  to  have  a  predis"  ition  tn 
it,  the  veins  becoming  prominent  wIk..  .er  tlioy 
stand,  or  walk,  for  any  length  of  time  without  r\st. 

The  })ressure  of  the  uterus  on  the  great  veins,  pre- 
venting the  free  return  of  the  blood  froi.  the  lower 
limbs,  increases  this  predisposition  when  it  exists. 

The  veins,  particularly  those  on  tlu'  inside  ot  the 
legs  and  thighs,  become  ])rominent.  The  network 
can  be  traced  in  discolored  lines  all  over  the  surface 
of  the  skin.  When  there  is  much  distension  the 
the  veins  appear  knotted,  dark  blue  bunches  showing 
at  intervals  along  their  course. 

Care  is  necessary,  because  the  rupture  of  one  of 
these  ])rotuberances  would  cause  bleeding  which 
might  be  difficult  to  control. 


VARICOSE   VKINS 


239 


At  tho  first  symptom  of  varirose  veins,  tlio  pntlrnt 
sliniild  lie  down  as  often  as  possible  and  always  sit 
with  the  feet  raised  on  a  ehair. 

A  bias  flannel  bandage  abont  two  and  a  half 
inches  wide  and  long  enongh  to  reach  from  the 
ankle  above  the  knee,  or  to  the  top  of  the  thigh  if 
uecessary,  shonld  be  provided. 

This  is  easily  made  at  home  by  cutting  bias  strips 
of  the  desired  width  and  lapping  them,  so  the  joining 
will  lie  flat,  one  edge  on  one  side  the  bandage,  the 
other  on  the  other,  and  basting  them  together  until 
the  proper  length  is  obtain<  d.  If  it  is  not  needed 
above  the  knee,  five  yards  will  be  sufficiently  long  ; 
if  to  the  top  of  the  thigh,  twelve  yards  will  not  be 
too  nnich. 

It  is  best  to  bandage  well  above  the  weak  ]>oint, 
that  the  bandage  may  not  slip  down  and  leave  it 
unprotected.  However  high  it  may  be  carried,  the 
handage  must  begin  at  the  toes  to  equalize  the 
pressure  below  the  enlarged  vein. 

The  heel  need  not  be  covered  ;  after  leaving  the 
foot  a  turn  of  the  bandage  is  carried  over  the  ankle, 
thence  round  the  leg  and  so  upward. 

In  applying  the  bandage  it  must  not  l)e  drawn 
too  tightly,  particularly  about  the  foot  and  ankle,  as 
this  would  interfere  with  the  circulation  and  make 
the  return  of  the  blood  through  the  veins  still  more 


mm 


240 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


(iiHicult.  li'  subsequent  swelling  of  the  leg  makes  It 
uneonifortabk-  it  must  be  loosened.  Jt  can  !)e  ro- 
moved  at  night  if  desired,  though  it  may  be  left  in 
place  if  the  support  is  needed.  It  ^lust  be  put  on 
afresh  before  getting  up  in  the  morning. 

An  elastic  stocking  may  be  used  instead.  This 
is  made  of  stout  elastic  rubber  and  can  be  ordeicd 
through  a  druggist,  who  will  take  the  measures,  or 
give  directions  for  self-measurement.  This  is  im- 
portant, as  the  stocking  is  of  no  use  unless  it  fits 
snugly. 

It  should  not  be  worn  at  night.  The  constant 
stretching  injures  the  rubber  aiul  soon  destroys  its 
elasticity.  If  it  is  not  safe  for  the  leg  to  be  without 
some  support  a  flannel  bandage  can  be  substituted. 
The  stocking  should  be  replaced  before  putting  the 
foot  to  the  ground  in  the  morning. 

Should  one  be  required  after  confinement,  a  smaller 
one  will  probabl}  have  to  be  procured,  as  the  leg 
lessens  in  size  aftei'  the  pressure  is  removed. 

The  close  support  of  a  stocking,  or  bandage,  ren- 
ders the  liability  of  a  vein  rupturing  very  mueh 
less.  One  or  the  other  should  always  be  worn  as 
soon  as  the  prominence  of  the  veins  is  noticed.  It 
is  a  very  simple  precaution,  easily  taken,  and  nnich 
trouble  may  be  avoided  by  attending  to  it  in  time. 


KUPTUKE   OF    A    VEIN — SALIVATION 


241 


RUPTURE   OF    A    VEIN 

Should  this  accident  occur,  a  piece  of  cotton  folded 
several  times,  until  it  is  about  three  inches  square, 
aid,  if  possible,  dij)ped  into  extract  of  ^vitch  hazel, 
should  be  tii^htly  bound  over  the  bleedin<^  point, 
th(^  leg  laid  flat,  not  elevated,  and  the  doctor  sent  for. 
Spirits  of  turpentine  may  be  used  instead  of  witch 
hazel,  but  firm  pressure  is  more  important  than 
either.  A  piece  of  ice  pressed  over  the  bandage 
helps  to  check  the  bleeding. 

Sometimes  a  vein  ruptures  under  the  skin  and  the 
escaped  blood  forms  a  dark  spot  on  the  leg.  Cloths 
wrung  out  of  ice  water,  witch  hazel  and  water,  or 
alcohol  and  water,  should  be  applied  without  pres- 
sure and  the  leg  kept  at  rcoC  until  the  discoloration 
has  disappeared. 

(Constipation  is  one  of  the  causes  of  varicose  veins, 
the  accumulated  mass  within  the  intestine  causing 
iiiiclue  pressure.  A  dessertspoonful  of  Rochelle 
salts  should  be  taken  as  often  as  is  necessary  to  re- 
lieve it. 

SALIVATION 

There  is  sometimes  an  undue  secretion  of  saliva 

in  the  mouth  which  causes  much  inconvenience,  as  it 

lias  to  be  frequently  gotten  rid  of.     It  is  said  that  a 

piece  of  dry,  bitter  orange  peel  kept  in  the  mouth 
16 


242 


PREPARATIOX   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


helps  to  check  it.  A  teaspoonful  of  spirits  of  tur- 
pentine put  in  a  pitcher  of  boiling  water  and  the 
steam  inhaled  is  also  recommended.  The  mouth 
may  be  washed  with  a  little  tannic  acid,  or  chlorate 
of  potash,  dissolved  in  wo'^r,  bnt  this  shonld  l)o 
sparingly  used.  Rorhelle  salts  is  ^he  best  laxative 
to  use  should  one  be  required. 

FAITsTNESS 

A  feeling  of  dizziness  and  faintness  is  common 
during  the  earlier  part  of  pregnancy  and  is  often 
marked  at  the  time  of  quickening,  or  when  the  mo- 
tion of  the  child  is  first  felt. 

It  is  best  relieved  by  lying  down  with  the  head 
low,  without  a  pillow,  admitting  a  current  of  fresh 
air  and  if  it  continiics  takiniij  slowlv  a  \Narm  drink. 
Stimulant  should  not  be  resorted  to,  plain  hot  water, 
hot  weak  tea,  or  coflee,  hot  lemonade,  or  clear  soup, 
bouillon  being  better  and  leaving  no  ill  effect  as 
stimulant  is  apt  to  do. 

Lying  down  as  soon  as  the  first  sensation  of  diz- 
ziness is  felt  will  often  prevent  it  from  passing  into 
faintness. 

DISCOLORATION   OF   THE   SKIN 

The  stretching  of  the  skin  of  the  abdomen  ind 
breasts,  particularly  of  the  former,  causes  glisteninii; 
white  Hues  to  appear  upon  it.     Sometimes  they  are 


LEUCORRHCEA 


243 


red  or  blue  in  color,  turning  white  after  confincniont, 
when  thev  look  like  scars.  Thev  are  of  no  special 
importance  and  do  not  require  treatment  except  as 
they  show  that  the  skin  is  imder  great  tension  and 
s!u)u]d  be  lubricated  by  daily  rubbing  with  oil.  The 
alnloiuinal  bandage  gives  support  and  lessens  the 
discomfort.  ' 

Brown  or  yellow  patches  sometimes  appear  upon 
the  face  and  breasts.  These  remain  until  after  the 
confinement  and  then  gradually  fade  away. 


LEUrORRH(EA 

There  may  be  a  discliarge  from  the  vagina  of  a 
thin  watery  liquid  or  of  a  thicker  one,  white  or 
vellow  in  color.  This  niav  irritate  the  surroundin^: 
parts  and  cause  unpleasant  itching.  A  douche 
should  be  taken  every  morning  of  oiic  hca{)ing 
tcaspoonful  of  common  salt  in  one  pint  of  warm,  not 
hot,  water.  The  fountain  syringe  should  be  used 
and  the  bag  hung  only  just  high  enough  to  j>ermit 
the  water  to  flow  in  the  gentlest  manner,  force  must 
be  carefully  avoided. 

When  the  irritation  is  very  great,  carbolized  vase- 
line may  be  applied  to  the  external  ])arts,  or  they 
may  be  bathed  in  a  solution  of  one  teaspoonful  of 
ha  king  soda  to  half  a  pint  of  warm  water. 

If  relief  dops  jiQt  follow^  the  doctor  should  be  ap- 


I1     'I 


244 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


plied  to  for  advice,  as  the  persistant  irritation  shows 
that  more  radical  treatment  is  necessary. 


SLEEPLESSNESS 

This  has  already  been  mentioned,  but  it  may  bo 
as  well  to  recapitulate  here  the  simple  measures 
which  may  l)e  tried  for  its  relief. 

A  Wii^ht  supper  before  i2;oino;  to  bed.  This  sets 
the  di<i^estive  organs  in  motion  and  draws  the  blood 
away  from  the  brain. 

Lyiui^  with  the  head  raised  on  an  extra  pillow. 

Applying  a  hot  water  bag  to  the  feet  and  an  ice 
bag  to  the  back  of  the  neck. 

Sponging  the  feet  with  cc>ld  water  f(jllowed  by 
rapid  friction  just  before  getting  into  bed. 

Taking  a  warm  bath,  or  soaking  the  feet  in  hot 
water  to  which  mustard  has  been  added. 

Drinking  a  glass  of  hot  milk  after  going  to  bed. 

Lying  in  a  comfortable  position  with  the  abdomen 
supported  on  a  pillow. 

Taking  daily  exercise  in  the  open  air. 

Having  the  bedroom  well  ventilated. 

Drinking  no  tea  nor  coffee  in  the  evening. 

As  far  as  possible  banishing  unpleasant  subjects 
of  thought  and  fixing  the  mind  on  some  monotonous 
form  of  motion. 

It  is  suicidal  to  take  drugs  to  induce  sleep  unless 


CONSULTING   A    PHYSICIAN 


245 


there  is  absolute  necessity.  The  habit  of  depending 
upon  them  is  easily  formed  and  most  difficult  to 
shake  off. 

They  never  should  be  ventured  on  without  com- 
petent medical  advice,  nor  tried  until  everything 
else  has  failed. 

Sometimes,  when  the  night's  rest  is  broken,  suffi- 
cient sleep  can  be  obtained  during  the  day  to  com- 
pensate for  the  loss. 


CONSULTING    A    PHYSICIAN 

Although  it  is  foolish  to  seek  a  physician  for  re- 
lief from  every  slight  ailment,  the  youn^  expectant 
mother  should  remember  that  it  is  unwise  to  let  one 
persist  for  any  length  of  time  unrelieved.  It  is  a 
waste  of  the  strength  she  is  bound  to  husband  for 
the  time  of  need. 

Ailments  that  seem  slight  to  her  may  indicate  a 
necessity  for  speedy  treutment  to  the  experienced 
eye  of  her  doctor.  No  harm  is  done  by  consulting 
him  and  often  much  good. 

Above  all  she  should  not  })ermit  herself  to  brood 
over  something  which  may  be  of  no  conseijueuce 
^vllatever.  A  few  cheery  words  from  the  doctor 
may  dispel  a  phantom  which  has  haunted  her  for 
weeks,  to  the  great  detriment  of  nerves  and  spirits, 
and  which  might  as  well  have  been  laid  earlier. 


,  .1 J      mmmmrmmm^^m 


2I<) 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


If  there  is  a  real  evil  to  be  faced,  the  sooner  it  Is 
met  and  dealt  with  the  better.  If  it  is  only  an  im- 
aginary evil  that  is  troubling  her  peace,  it  cannot  l.c 
too  speedily  j)iit  to  flight.  Health  and  comfort  an- 
too  precious  to  be  risked  and  ease  of  mind  should 
be  as  jealously  guarded  as  strength  of  body. 


i 


CHAPTER  XV 


MISCARRIAGE 

If  a  child  is  born  before  it  is  possible  for  it  to 
live  outside  the  uterus  tlie  accident  is  call'-d  a  mis- 
carriage, or  an  abortion.  If  it  takes  place  after  the 
sixth  or  seventh  month,  bnt  before  the  full  term 
has  elapsed,  it  is  said  to  be  a  premature  confinement. 

It  has  been  mentioned  before,  but  it  cannot  be 
too  often  reiterated  if  it  makes  the  expectant  mother 
more  careful,  that  a  miscarriage  is  peculiarly 
likely  to  happen  at  the  time  when  the  menstrual  period 
is  due.  If  the  slightest  pain,  or  inconvenience,  is 
felt  then,  it  is  wisest  to  go  to  bed  and  lie  on  the  back 
as  much  as  is  possible  for  foui*  days  at  least. 

It  is  said  to  be  most  common  during  the  first  three 
months  of  pregnancy,  the  danger  lessening  after  the 
fourth. 

A  miscarriage  is  looked  upon  by  many  women  as 
a  very  trifling  matter,  and  sometimes,  it  is  to  be 
feared,  is  even  rejoiced  over. 

(247) 


f 

' 

■ 

248 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


It  always  involves  danger  and  may  be  more  seri- 
ous in  its  resnlts  than  a  confinement. 

It  is  not  a  natural  process,  as  an  ordinary  labor  is, 
and  causes  more  or  less  shock  to  the  system.  ^lany 
uterine  diseases  are  the  result  of  neglected  miscar- 
riage and  the  patient  needs  special  care  after  one  lias 
taken  place  to  avert  disagreeable  consequences. 


.  f 


CAUSES 

There  are  various  causes  which  contribute  to  a 
miscarriage.  It  is  not  to  be  overlooked  that  discaj^e 
in  the  father,  or  other  circumstances  connected  with 
him,  may  affect  it.  Alcoholism,  exhausting  chronic 
disease,  lead  poisoning,  working  in  sulphur  and  ex- 
treme old  age,  or  youth,  are  some  of  these. 

If  the  mother  takes  too  violent  exercise,  or  very 
hot  baths,  wears  tight  corsets,  has  a  fall,  or  a  severe 
blow  on  the  abdomen,  suffers  from  an  infections 
disease,  as  scarlet  fever,  or  some  forms  of  chronic 
disease,  is  sul»jected  to  extreme  mental  emotion,  or 
any  prolonged  strain,  it  is  very  apt  to  bring  it  on. 

Women  who  work  in  tobacco  are  said  to  be  pe- 
culiarly liable  to  miscarry  and  excessive  indulgence 
in  it  by  the  father  may  have  the  same  effect. 

In  some  women  it  recurs  regularly  at  about  the 
same  time  in  each  pregnancy.  The  predisposing 
cause,  whatever  it  may  be,  still  exists,  and  if  it  can 


SYMPTOMS— TREATMENT 


249 


ho  discovered  may  be  removed.  Sometimes  com- 
plete rest  in  bed  for  several  months  is  prescribed, 
in  tiie  hope  of  saving  the  child. 


SYMPTOMS 

The  symptoms  are  a  sense  of  weight  in  the  abdo- 
men, pain  in  the  back,  sensations  of  chilliness  fol- 
lowed by  flashes  of  heat,  the  discharge  from  the 
vagina  increases  and  there  is  a  feeling  of  languor  and 
general  malaise. 

During  the  first  two  months  a  miscarriage  might 
easily  be  mistaken  for  excessive  menstrual  flow.  If 
tlie  period  is  delayed  for  two  or  three  weeks  and 
then  comes  on  as  a  slight  hemorrhage  it  is  probable 
one  has  taken  place.  The  embryo  is  so  tiny  it 
might  easily  escape  notice,  unless  a  close  watch  was 
kept  for  it.  There  are  usually  cU)ts  of  blood,  any 
one  of  which  might  conceal  it. 

A  discharge  of  blood  from  the  vagina,  particularly 
when  it  is  accompanied  with  pain  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  abdomen,  is  always  suspicious.  The  pain  is 
due  to  the  contraction  of  the  uterus.  It  is  of  a 
griping  character  and  comes  in  paroxysms,  ceasing 
entirely  and  then  returning  at  regular  intervals. 

TREATMENT 

Eest  in  bed  on  the  back  is  the  first  measure.     The 


250 


PIIEPAIIATION    F'Oll    MOTHERHOOD 


patient  slioukl   remain  tliere  for  a  week  after  the 
syni|)t()nis  liav^e  disaj)[)eare(l. 

Hot  drinks  should  not  be  ^iven  and  tlie  eovciinc- 
shoukl   he  light.     If  neeessary  the  eatlicter  can   lie 
used  and  tlie  bowels  nuist  be  re<ji:nlated  l)\  an  encnui 
or  a  gentle  laxative. 

The  doetor  should  be  sent  for  in  every  case.  Then* 
are  quieting  drugs  whieh  he  can  administer  it 
neeessary  and  he  is  needed  to  direet  the  after  treal- 
ment  should  the  niisearriage  take  place.  The  rest 
and  quiet  may  prevent  it.  Strict  attention  should 
be  paid  to  the  diet,  no  meat  or  indigestible  food 
being  eaten. 

If  the  uterus  is  determined  to  expel  its  contents, 
the  pains  continue,  the  hemorrhage  increases  and 
finally  the  mass  comes  away. 

The  danger  is  that  a  part  of  it  may  be  retained, 
the  j)lacenta,  or  some  of  the  membranes,  remaining 
behind.  The  doctor  dt^sires  to  leave  as  much  as  possi- 
ble to  nature  and  will  not  interfere  unless  it  is  cer- 
tain that  interference  is  necessary. 

Any  solid  matter  that  comes  from  the  uterus 
should  be  kept  for  his  inspection.  If  there  is  long 
to  wait  before  he  can  see  it,  a  little  water  may  he 
poured  on  it  and  a  few  drops  of  carbolic  acid 
added  if  it  is  required.     The  vessel  containing  the 


CONVALESCENCE 


251 


substance  should  be  closely  covered  and  kept  at  a 
distance  from  t'ne  patient's  room. 

Tlie  pain  usually  ceases  as  soon  as  the  uterus  is 
einj)ty.  The  discharge  lessens,  or  stops  entirely. 
It  is  often  present  in  small  quantity  for  a  few  days, 
at  fu'st  red  and  gradually  losing  color  as  after  an 
ordinary  confuiement. 

Should  tlie  discharge  become  offensive,  or  if  there 
is  the  slightest  disagreeable  odor  perceptible  about 
tlie  napkin,  the  doctor  should  be  informed.  A 
small  portion  of  the  contents  of  the  uterus  may 
have  been  retained  and  be  decomposing,  and  this 
will  infect  the  patient  if  prompt  measures  are  not 
taken  to  prevent  it.  The  return  of  the  discharge 
after  once  stopping  is  also  an  indication  that  treat- 
ment is  required,  unless  it  is  very  slight  and  caused 
by  standing,  or  unusual  exertion. 


CONVALESCENCE 

After  a  miscarriage,  time  is  required  for  the  uterus 
to  return  to  its  normal  condition,  just  as  it  is  after  a 
confinement.  Inflammation  is  apt  to  follow  any  im- 
[)rudence  in  walking,  or  standing.  Straining  of  the 
ligaments  that  support  the  nterus  is  another  danger 
to  be  avoided.  Pain  in  the  back  is  one  symptom 
of  this  condition,  and  when  it  is  present  special  care 
should  be  exercised.     The  ounce  of  prevention  is 


252 


PKKPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


worth  very  much  more  than  the  pound  of  cure,  for 
in  this  instance  if  the  prevention  is  neglected  the 
cure  often  is  not  possible. 

The  ])atient  should  not  sit  up  in  bed  for  several 
days,  nor  get  out  of  bed  before  the  end  of  a  wwk. 
Walking  should  be  resumed  cautiously  and  discon- 
tinued if  it  is  followed  by  backache. 

The  doctor  sometimes  orders  a  douche  of  wairn 
water.  This  is  given  with  a  fountain  syringe  wliirli 
should  be  held  only  high  enough  to  permit  of  a 
gentle  flow  of  water.  A  nozzle  with  a  hole  in  the 
point  should  not  be  used.  The  one  proper  for  a 
douche  has  holes  in  the  sides.  It  is  only  necessatv 
to  wash  out  the  vagina.  It  is  not  desirable,  and  in 
some  cases  it  is  dangerous,  for  the  water  to  enter  ilic 
uterus  itself,  which  it  might  if  thrown  from  the  (mhI. 
J(  the  discharge  continues  as  a  white,  or  yellow, 
fluid,  staining  the  napkin  after  losing  its  red  color, 
the  doctor  should  be  told  of  it.  Some  uterine  affec- 
tion may  be  indicated  which  could  be  relieved,  oi' 
cured,  by  prompt  treatment  and  pro])er  remedies. 

Occasionally  the  breasts  feel  full  and  heavy  and 
may  contain  a  little  milk.  Less  liquid  ^hould  l)e 
drunk  than  usual  and  the  patient  '  f^i  on  ligiitdiet, 
bread,  toast,  farinaceous  food,  ,  custard    blanc 

mange,  etc.,  no  meat  being  given. 

The  breasts  can  be  gently  rubbed  ^^  ith  warm  oil 


CONVALESCENCE 


253 


an,l  if  the  weight  is  uiicoriifurtahle  they  can  be  siip- 
])..ite(l  hy  a  bandage.  The  bowels  must  be  kept 
open  by  a  mild  laxative. 

The  danger  to  the  mother  in  a  miscarriage  may 
1h'  very  mnch  lessened  if  it  is  kept  steadily  iir  mind 
that  the  same  care  and  precautions  are  neccssaiy  as 
if  the  child  had  been  born  at  full  term.  ^J^ime  is  re- 
(|nired  to  rally  from  the  shocik,  to  recover  from  the 
loss  of  blood  and  to  enable  the  uterus  to  return  tu 
its  normal  condition.  The  same  perfect  cleanliness 
must  be  observed  in  her  person  and  surroundings, 
as  she  is  susceptible  to  inflection  from  outside  sources 
and  must  be  guarded  against  it. 


:  i 


CHAPTER  XVI 


PREMATURE   CONFINEMENT 


If  the  child  is  born  at  any  time  before  the  end  of 
the  nino  months,  when  it  is  capable  of  living  even 
for  a  short  time,  the  confinement  is  said  to  ho 
premature. 

During  the  sixth  month  it  weighs  about  one  poiuid 
and  does  not  usually  live  more  than  two  weeks. 

Durino;  the  seventh  month  its  weit^ht  increases  to 
three  or  four  pounds,  the  nails  are  developed,  and 
with  care  it  may  live  and  thrive,  if  it  comes  into 
the  world  at  this  time. 

It  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the  baby  born  prem- 
aturely is  j)hiced  under  great  disadvantages.  '1  lie 
conditions  that  surround  it  are  very  dillerent  from 
those  under  which  it  shoidd  have  lived  and  grown 
for  at  least  two  months  longer. 

It  takes  a  long  time  for  it  to  overcome  i\\o>o. 
It  grows  slowly  and  is  often  l)ackward  in  walkini;- 
and  talking.  If  there  is  any  predisposition  to  heredi- 
(254) 


SYMPTOMS — TREATMENT 


255 


tary  disease  it  is  apt  to  develop  in  tlie  delicate  fVa?ne. 
The  mother  often  cannot  nnrse  it  hecanse  her  milk 
doos  not  come,  and  this  is  an  additional  drawback 
iiiul  lessens  the  chance  of  existence  for  the  poor  little 
thing. 

This  being  so,  everything  that  is  possible  should 
bo  done  to  prevent  the  confinement  from  taking 
place  prematurely.  The  expectant  mother  should 
be  on  the  watch  for  the  symptoms,  recognize  thera 
wlien  they  appear  and  do  her  best  to  combat  them. 

SYMPTOMS 

There  is  sometimes  a  slight  flow  of  blood  from  the 
vaiiina  as  in  an  earlier  miscarriac^e.  Verv  often 
this  is  absent  and  the  first  indication  of  danger  is 
pain  in  the  abdomen.  Unless  the  attention  has  been 
called  to  the  possibility  of  its  having  a  special  sig- 
nitit-ance,  this  may  easily  be  attributed  to  colic. 

The  pain  of  colic  is  felt  in  different  parts  of  the 
abdomen,  moving  from  one  place  to  another  with 
each  paroxysm.  The  other  pain  returns  in  one 
place,  and  if  the  hands  are  laid  over  the  spot  the 
uterus  may  be  felt  to  harden  as  it  contracts. 


Icome  th(>i'. 


TREATMENT 


The  patient  should   go  to   hod  immediately  and 
keep  perfectly  quiet,  as  in  endeavoring  to  avert  a 


256 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


threatened  miscarriage.  The  doctor  should  be  sent 
for,  as  there  are  medicines  he  can  use  which  niav 
prevent  the  catastrophe,  if  it  is  not  too  late. 

Should  til  is  be  impossible,  the  labor  proceeds  as 
if  at  full  term. 

It  is  wise  to  make  preparations  for  this  and  to 
have  everything  in  the  room  that  may  be  needed. 

The  bed  should  be  prote^jted  and  properly  inade, 
and  all  the  details  attended  to  if  there  is  time  to 
do  so.  The  nurse  often  cannot  come  at  an  unex- 
pected summons  and  arrangements  should  be  made 
with  some  friend  to  take  her  place  if  necessary. 

CARE   OF  THE  BABY 

This  is  a  very  much  more  difficult  matter  than  if 
the  child  had  been  ushered  into  the  world  at  the 
proper  time. 

Elaborate  arrangements  are  required  to  keep  it 
alive,  its  feebleness  rendering  the  task  a  very  diffi- 
cult one. 

Warmth  and  proper  food  are  the  two  essentials. 
If  these  can  be  provided,  the  problem  is  well  nigh 
solved  3  if  not,  the  flickering  flame  will  die  out. 


CLOTHING 


It  is  almost  impossible  and  would  be  very  unwise, 
to  attempt  to  dress  such  a  frail  little  being  as  the 


WASHING — INCUBATORS 


257 


premature  baby.  Lamb's  wool,  which  comes  in 
rolls  like  cotton  batting,  is  the  best  material  to  wrap 
it  in.  It  should  be  so  arranged  that  a  thick  pad 
placed  under  the  buttocks  can  be  removed  without 
(li-turbing  the  wrap[)ings.  If  this  material  cannot 
be  had,  cotton  wool  must  be  used  with  several  layers 
of  flannel  over  it. 


WASHING 

No  effort  should  be  made  to  wash  the  child.  It 
should  be  rubbed  with  warm  oil  and  this  process  re- 
peated every  day,  only  a  part  of  the  wool  being  re- 
moved at  one  timo  to  permit  the  part  covered  to  be 

(lone. 

INCUBATORS 

In  some  large  cities  incubators  can  be  obtained  in 
which  the  child  is  kept  until  it  is  .strong  enough  to 
support  existence  without  an  extra  supply  of  heat. 

One  cannot  always  be  protiured  when  it  is  needed. 
An  incubator  for  chickens  might  be  modified  so 
that  it  could  be  used,  if  one  were  to  be  had. 

Dr.  Worcester,  in  his  book  on  maternity  nursing, 
describes  an  impromptu  hot  cradle  which  could  easily 
he  arranged. 

Two  tin  foot  tubs  are  provided,  one  so  much 
smaller  than  t  le  other  that  only  the  handles  rest  on 
the  rim  of  the  larger  tub.  The  inner  one  is  weighted 
17 


^ 


258 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


with  bricks  so  it  will  not  float  when  water  is  poured 
in  the  outer  one.  This  is  filled  nearly  to  the  brim 
witii  hot  water  and  a  lamp  placed  under  the  bottom 
to  maintain  the  temperature  at  100°  Fahrenheit. 
The  inner  tub  is  lined  with  cotton  wool,  or  thick 
folds  of  flannel,  and  the  baby,  well  wrapped  and 
covered,  placed  in  it. 

It  Ghoidd  only  be  removed  from  this  nest  when 
absolutely  necessary  and  disturbed  as  little  as  possi- 
ble. 

When  no  other  way  of  keeping  it  warm  is  to  be 
had  it  must  be  surrounded  by  hot  water  bags,  re- 
plenished regularly  every  hour. 

Thi^  care  must  be  maintained  until  after  the  time 
at  which  it  would  have  been  born  had  the  full  term 
been  completed. 

FOOD 


If  the  mother  has  milk  it  may  be  drawn  from  the 
breast  with  a  breast  pump,  warmed  a  very  little  and 
given  to  the  baby  with  a  teaspoon,  or  a  medicine 
dropper,  when  it  cannot  draw  it  itself. 

Should  there  be  no  milk,  it  is  best  to  peptonize 
cream  food  and  try  that.  The  lime  water  may  be 
omitted  as  the  soda  used  in  peptonizing  renders  the 
milk  sufficiently  alkaline.  The  digestive  organs 
being  not  fully  developed,  peptonizing  is  especially 


GAVAGE 


259 


is  poured 
the  brim 
le  bottom 
ihrenhcit. 
or  thick 
pped  and 

test  when 
J  as  possi- 

i  is  to  be 
bags,  re- 

r  the  time 
full  term 


from  the 
little  and 
medicine 


peptonize 
may  be 
ders  the 
organs 
Bspecially 


necessary,  as  in  this  process  the  milk  is  partially 
predigested. 

The  child  is  often  too  feeble  to  suck  and  so  can- 
not obtain  milk  from  the  mother  itself  or  use  a 
nursing  bottle. 

GAVAGE 

The  doctor  sometimes  tries  forced  feeding,  or 
gavage,  and  this  method  is  said  to  have  saved  many 
lives.  The  food  goes  directly  into  the  stomacih  and 
any  quantity  that  is  prescribed  can  be  easily  admin- 
istered. 

The  method  is  thus  described  in  the  "  Care  of 
Children,'^  as  it  is  used  in  feeding  a  sick  child  who  re- 
sists taking  food  :  "  The  apparatus  is  a  soft  rubber 
catheter  with  a  double  eye,  a  short  glass  tube  to 
connect  the  catheter  with  eighteen  inches  of  rubber 
tubing,  and  a  small  funnel. 

"  The  child  is  laid  on  the  back,  the  tongue  held 
down  with  a  finger  and  the  point  of  the  catheter 
passed  down  the  throat  keeping  it  well  to  the  back 
of  the  mouth."  Three  or  four  inches  would  be  far 
enough  for  so  young  a  baby. 

"  The  funnel  is  held  high  up  to  allow  gas  to  es- 
cape from  the  stomach  and  then  the  food  })oared  in." 

For  a  premature  baby,  not  more  than  a  table- 
spoonful  should  be  given  at  once. 

If  the  mouth  is  held  open  for  a  few  ruuutes  after 


fit! 


260 


PllEPA  RATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


the  catheter  is  withdrawn  tlie  child  is  less  likely  to 
vomit.  The  stomach  is  washed  out  with  plain  boiled 
water  once  a  day. 

After  nsing,  the  tube  must  be  thoroughly  waslird 
with  a  solution  of  baking  soda  in  water,  it  being 
poured  through  them  again  and  again,  and  well 
rinsed  in  clear  warm  wajer.  About  once  in  three 
days  the  apparatus  must  be  boiled.  ^' A  glass  fun- 
nel is  tlie  best  to  use,  although  a  tin  or  hard  rul)l)er 
one  will  answer  the  purjwse  if  it  is  kept  exquisitely 
clean.  Unless  ])roperly  attended  to,  the  tubes  be- 
come a  distinct  source  of  danger." 

The  child  should  be  fed  every  two  hours  and 
after  the  first  week  the  quantity  of  food  is  increased 
gradually. 

EXCESSIVE  CARE 

Many  children  born  prematurely  have  been  saved 
by  the  care  and  devotion  of  their  nurses.  It  is  an 
anxious  task  to  watch  over  one  and  requires  almost 
the  whole  time  and  attention  if  it  is  to  be  accom- 
plished successfully. 

Such  a  child  needs  excessive  care  by  night  as  well 
as  by  day.  The  temperature  must  be  kept  up,  as 
cold  is  wi'U-nigh  fatal,  and  food  must  be  given  at 
intervals  of  about  two  hours, 


'ill! 


EXCESSIVE  CARE 


261 


The  doctor  may  order  a  little  stimulant,  as  a  few 
drops  of  wine  and  water,  at  regular  intervals. 

The  head  should  be  protected  hv  a  light  covering 
of  flannel  and  the  hands  kept  under  the  coverlet  as 
much  as  possible. 

The  bed  should  be  a  soft  feather  pillow  with  a 
very  small  square  of  rubber  cloth  laid  under  the 
ljij)S.  The  best  outer  covering  is  a  small  down  com- 
forter. If  the  pillow  is  of  down,  care  should  be 
taken  that  the  babv's  nose  and  mouth  are  not  buried 
in  it  by  any  involuntary  movement.  A  case  is  on 
record  in  which  a  stron^^,  healthv  babv,  three  months 
old,  was  smothered  in  this  wav.  Everv  precaution 
111  list  be  taken  with  a  tinv,  delicate  child  whose  hold 
on  life  is  so  precarious  at  the  best. 

It  ought  to  be  kept  in  one  large,  well  ventilated 
rijom  for  several  months  and  not  exposed  to  the 
danger  of  a  change  of  temperature,  which  is  always 
a  serious  menace  to  such  a  frail  being. 


CHAPTER  XVII 


LABOR 


BEGINNING 

As  the  end  of  the  pregnancy  approaches  the  abdo- 
men decreases  a  little  in  size.  This  is  caused  partly 
by  the  uterus  beginning  to  contract  to  expel  its  con- 
tents and  partly  by  its  sinking  lower  in  the  pelvis. 

The  breathing  is  less  interfered  with,  but  walking 
is  more  difficult. 

Tiie  discharge  from  the  vagina  increases  and  wiien 
it  is  tinged  with  blood  the  confinement  is  near. 

It  will  probably  take  place  at  what  would  have 
been  the  tenth  menstrual  period  had  there  been  no 
pregnancy.  Women  who  were  habitually  unwell 
two,  or  three,  days  before  the  expiration  of  the  usual 
four  weeks  would  probably  be  confined  sooner  than 
those  who  were  in  the  habit  of  waiting  the  full 
time. 

There  are  often  slight  attacks  of  pain  which  are 
thought  to  mean  no  more  than  ordinary  colic. 
(202) 


STAGES 


263 


The  labor  usually  lasts  longer  with  a  first  child 
than  with  the  subsequent  ones.  The  parts  are  more 
unyielding,  never  having  been  stretched  before,  and 
it  takes  longer  to  dilate  them. 

This  may  comfort  the  young  expectant  mother 
who  fears  that  skilled  assistance  may  be  slow  in  ar- 
riving. The  doctor  almost  always  comes  in  time. 
Should  he  not  do  so, the  nurse,  or  anyone  who  lias 
taken  pains  to  inform  herself  what  ought  to  be  done, 
can  do  all  that  is  necessary  until  he  comes. 

A  perfectly  natural  birth  takes  place  without  out- 
side interference.  Should  there  be  any  difficulty,  the 
process  is  very  slow  and  there  is  plenty  of  time  to 
wait  for  the  doctor.  Only  he  can  do  what  is  then 
needed. 

It  is  said  that  labor  usually  commences  between 
nine  and  twelve  o'clock  at  night  and  the  birth  takes 
place  between  nine  the  next  evening  and  the  same 
hour  the  following  morning. 


STAGES 

Labor  is  divided  into  three  stages  :  the  opening  of 
the  uterus,  to  permit  its  contents  to  pass  out,  the  pas- 
sage of  the  child  and  the  expulsion  of  the  after  birth. 

The  young  mother  must  not  fancy  that  she  is  to 
suifer  severe  pain  all  this  time. 

The  pains  during  the  first  stage  are  something 


264 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


like  colic,  sharp  while  tiiov  last,  but  only  continuing 
for  a  few  mimitos,  and  witli  long  intervals  of  easo 
between  them.     It  sometimes  occupies  twelve  hour-. 

Durin*^  this  time  the  patient  may  be  j)artia!lv 
dressed  and  move  about  her  room  if  she  wishes  to 
do  so. 

Slie  should  have  light  food,  hot  milk,  cocoa,  soup, 
toast,  bread  or  farinaceous  food,  but  no  meat. 

She  will  have  a  desire  to  pass  water  and  to  have 
a  movement,  but  as  this  is  occasioned  by  the  pres- 
sure of  the  child's  head  against  the  bladder  and 
rectum,  yielding  to  it  does  not  bring  relief. 

An  enema  of  warm  water  ought  to  beadministen  d 
to  empty  the  lower  bowel.  If  she  has  not  been 
able  to  pass  water  for  some  time,  the  doctor  should 
be  informed  when  he  comes  that  such  is  the  case. 

She  should  not  be  ])ermitted  to  go  to  a  water 
closet,  nor  to  strain  in  any  way. 

As  in  soni':;  cases  this  stage  is  short  in  duration, 
the  bed  should  be  made,  the  necessary  articles 
brought  into  the  room  and  all  the  preparations  com- 
pleted. 

The  hair  should  be  parted  in  the  middle  at  the 
back,  firmly  braided  in  two  tails  and  tied  so  it  will 
not  come  unloosed.  It  is  then  no  great  matter  ii' 
it  cannot  be  brushed  or  combed  for  several  days. 


STAGES 


2G5 


It  will  be  found  smooth  and  untangled  when  it  is 
iiiij)laited. 

The  pains  may  be  distinguished  from  those  arising 
from  other  causes,  as  irritation  of  the  intestine, 
eolie,  or  indiiiestion,  bv  their  beo-inning  in  the  back 
nnd  extending  round  to  the  abdomen,  coming  at 
rcoular  intervals  and  increasinii'  in  intensity. 

By  laying  the  hands  on  the  abdomen  as  the  pa- 
tient lies  on  her  back  the  uterus  will  be  felt  to  harden 
as  it  contracts  during  a  pain,  the  hardness  disappear- 
ing as  the  pain  passes  off.  This  is  a  certain  sign 
that  the  pains  are  not  false.  They  also  recur  about 
the  same  place  in  the  abdomen,  while  in  colic  the 
pain  shifts  from  jwint  to  point. 

With  a  first  child  there  are  often  false  alarms, 
but  when  the  pains  begin  to  come  regularly  and  in- 
crease in  severity  it  is  time  to  send  ibr  the  doctor. 
Kven  then  there  is  no  great  haste,  as  it  will  probably 
be  some  time  before  his  servic(\s  are  actually  needed. 
Still  he  ought  to  know  that  the  labor  has  begun,  as 
he  may  have  reasons  for  wishing  to  be  on  hand 
early  in  the  proceeding. 

If  the  pains  are  very  severe,  as  is  sometimes  the 
case  with  a  first  child,  owing  to  the  mouth  of  the 
uterus  being  tense  and  difficult  to  relax,  the  doctor 
should  be  told  of  it,  as  he  can  prescribe  something 
that  will  give  relief. 


266 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


The  end  of  this  part  of  the  labor  is  usually  marked 
by  the  breaking  of  the  anniiotie  sae,  or  bag  of 
waters,  in  which  the  cliild  has  floated  up  to  this 
time. 

This  brings  a  rush  of  fluid  for  whieh  the  ])atieiit 
should  be  j)repared  by  having  on  a  couple  of  large 
napkins  and  a  folded  sheet  under  her,  if  she  is  sitting, 
or  lying  down.  It  is  not  at  all  alarming.  Tiio 
child  has  simply  torn  the  thin  membrane  surround- 
ing it  that  it  may  pass  into  the  world. 

When  this  does  not  occur  naturally  the  doctor 
ruptures  the  bag  with  his  finger  nail. 

It  may  burst  while  the  mother  is  still  apparently 
quite  well  and  be  the  first  indication  that  labor  has 
really  begun.  It  is  well  to  be  prepared,  towards  the 
end  of  the  pregnancy,  for  this  accident  happening. 
It  would  be  very  embarrassing  if  it  took  place  out- 
side the  privacy  of  the  bedroom  and  no  pre])aration 
had  been  made  for  even  partially  absorbing  the 
fluid. 

After  this  has  taken  place  the  expectant  mother 
should  no  longer  walk  about,  if  the  doctor  is  not 
there,  but  go  at  once  to  bed. 

The  birth  does  not  always  follow  rapidly,  but  it 
often  does  so  and  if  she  is  alone  bed  is  the  safest 
place.  The  mouth  of  the  uterus  is  usually  expanded 
by  this  time;  the  child  might  descend  suddenly  and 


li,  i'-'i 


STAGES 


267 


meet  with  some  accident  if*  tlio  mother  were  on  lier 
feet. 

When  the  second  stai!;e  boo;ins  the  pains  come 
imu'li  more  fre(pientiy.  Instead  of  being  sharp  and 
cutting,  like  those  of  tlie  first  stage,  there  is  a  strong 
inclination  to  bear  down,  and  a  desire  to  brace  the 
Icet  and  grasp  something  firmly  with  the  hands  to 
assist  in  the  etlbrt. 

A  sheet  tied  to  the  foot  of  the  bed  is  a  good  thing 
to  pull  on.  Sometimes  the  nnrse's  hands  are  held, 
hut  she  mav  have  other  things  to  attend  to  and  can- 
not  always  be  near  when  she  is  wanted. 

Some  persons  find  a  small  well-stufTcd  pillow  to 
place  nnder  the  back  a  great  comfort.  There  is 
always  pain  in  the  back  and  firm  snpport  gives  a 
sensation  of  relief. 

If  the  nnrse  can  be  spared,  she  may  press  against 
tiie  back  at  the  weak  i)oint  with  her  hands.  When 
this  pressure  is  made  early  in  the  labor  it  should  be 
well  down,  at  the  lowest  part  of  the  back  ;  later  it 
should  be  higher,  on  a  line  with  the  top  of  the  hip 
bones. 

The  lower  joints  of  the  spine  are  movable  and 
yield  a  little  to  make  as  much  room  as  possible  for 
the  passage  of  the  child.  Intelligent  pressure  helps 
this  movement  in  a  slight  degree. 

The  patient  often  sleeps  for  a  few  minutes  between 


2G8 


PREPAIIATIOX    FOIt    ^lOTIIERIIOOD. 


the  pains.  Slio  should  yield  to  these  feelings  of 
drowziness;  it  is  one  of  nature's  devices  to  hnsbaiKi 
her  strength  and  give  lier  a  little  r.eodcd  rest. 

She  should  not  liave  stimulant  without  ti^edoetoiV 
orders,  but  may  have  a  cup  of  tea,  coffee,  or  soup. 
not  too  hot,  if  she  fancies  it. 

The  pains  now  come  every  two  or  three  minul*  - 
and  the  birth  is  not  far  off.  If  the  doctor  has  n(»! 
arrived  there  is  still  no  cause  for  anxiety.  It 
everything  is  proceeding  naturally  the  baby  will  nc 
born  without  his  assistance  ;  if  it  is  not  and  there  i^ 
a  hindrance,  he  will  come  before  it  arrives. 

Any  friend  can  do  what  is  necessary  in  case  tin 
labor  is  rapid  and   the  baby  a})pears  unexpectedly. 

It  is  not  even  indispensable  that  the  cord  should 
be  cut  and   tied   immediatelv.     The  babv    mav   b. 
wrapped  in  flannel,  a  folded  sheet  tucked  under  the 
mother  to  ])lace  it  on,  and  both  covered    until  the 
doctor  reaches  the  scene  of  actiorj. 


THE   CORD 

It  is  better  to  have  the  cord  cut,  so  that  the  baby 
can  l»e  rolled  in  a  blaid^et  and  laid  in  tlu^  nest  j)re- 
pared  for  it.  To  do  this  the  })iecc  of  soft  string  that 
has  been  provided  is  tied  firndy  around  the  cord 
about  two  inches  from  the  child's  bodv,  and  attain 
about  two  inches  farther  along,  nearer  the  mother. 


THE   AFTER    BIRTH 


269 


?se  ft'C'liugs  of 


tlirec  minutes, 
doctor  has  ii(»t 
r  anxiety.  It' 
0  l)al)y  will  ix' 
lot  and  there  is 
'I'i  ves. 
irv  in  ease  the 


tliat  the  baby 
the  nest  ])re- 
soft  string  tliat 
)nnd  the  eord 
dv,  and  airiiin 
T  the  mother. 


AVith  the  blunt  scissors  the  cord  is  then  severed  be- 
tween the  ligatures. 

It  should  not  be  cut  until  the  child  has  cried 
lustily  and  until  the  pulsation  in  it  has  ceased.  If 
held  between  finger  and  thumb  for  a' moment  this 
throbbing  can  be  dishnctly  felt.  It  shows  that  the 
blood  is  still  passing  Ij-etween  the  child  and  the  i)la- 
centa.  After  a  few  minutes  this  ceases  and  then  the 
curd  may  safelv  Ixj  divided. 

When  the  doctor  is  j)resent,  he  usually  does  this 
himself  and  then  hands  the  child  (o  the  nurse  to  be 
-^ared  for,  while  he  attends  to  the  mother. 

Jf  an  inexperienced  person  is  alone  with  the 
mother,  as  soon  as  the  head  is  born  she  should  see 
that  the  cord  is  not  twisted  around  the  child's  neck, 
if  it  is,  it  nuist  be  loosened  and  slipped  over  the 
liead.  This  can  be  done  by  pulling  down  a  loop  of 
it.  If  it  is  not  done  the  child  may  be  strangled,  as 
the  tignt  ligature  [)revents  its  breathing.  In  a  despe- 
r;  le  case  the  cord  can  be  tied  in  two  places  and  cut 


)etween 


the 


m. 


THE    AFTER    BIRTH 


Should  the  doctor  be  absent,  the  after  birth  may 
Ik;  left  until  it  comes  away  of  itself.  This  it  often 
does  in  al)out  twenty  minutes,  thouirh  the  time  mav 
he  mu<'h   longer.     The   mother  should   be  wjirmly 


270 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


covered  and  may  have  a  warm  drink,  but  not  a  hot 
one,  for  fear  of  promoting  profuse  bleeding. 

Should  the  after  birtii  be  expelled  it  must  be  put 
in  the  vessel  prepared  for  it  and  kept  for  the  doctor 
to  see.  He  always  wishes  to  inspect  it  that  he  may 
know  whether  all  lias  come  awav  or  not.  This  is 
important,  as  when  a  part  is  retained  it  may  cause 
mischief  if  it  is  not  removed. 

This  ends  the  third  stage  and  nothing  now  re- 
mains but  to  make  the  mother  comfortable  and  leave 
her  to  rest  and  sleep. 


THK    MOTHERS    NEEDS 

A  clean  corner  of  the  pad,  or  a  folded  sheet,  is 
laid  under  the  mother,  she  is  bathed  with  warm 
water  that  has  been  boiled,  the  binder  adjusted  and 
the  napkin  put  on. 

If  necessary,  the  night  dress  is  changed  and  then 
the  pad,  carefully  rolled  up,  is  drawn  out,  the  fresh 
one  put  in  place,  the  coverings  arranged  and  the 
room  darkened. 

The  mother  sometimes  has  a  feeling  of  chilliness, 
or  even  a  slight  chill  soon  after  the  baby  is  born. 
She  complains  of  cold,  shivers  and  her  teeth  may 
chatter  for  a  few  moments.  This  is  not  alarming  as 
it  is  caused  partially  by  nervousness  and  also  by 
the  removal  of  the  large  warm  body  that  has  for  so 


AFTER    PAINS 


271 


long  occiipi(!cl  the  uterus.  A  warm  drink  may  be 
given,  extra  covering  put  over  her,  the  feet  wrapped 
in  flannel  and  if  necessary  a  hot  bag  laid  near  them. 
After  all  that  the  newly  made  mother  has  under- 
l^one,  she  needs  perfect  quiet  for  several  hours  before 
she  is  permitted  to  see  anyone.  A  five  minutes 
interview  with  her  husband  is  all  that  should  be 
granted.  Howewer  well  she  feels,  quiet  should  be  in- 
sisted upon.  All  congratulations  must  be  deferred 
until  she  has  had  rest  and  sleep.  Excitement  is 
dangerous  and  no  visitors  must  be  permitted  to 
enter  the  room,  nor  should  conversation  be  allowed, 
even  if  she  wishes  to  talk.  Neglect  of  this  precau- 
tion may  cause  serious  disaster,  even  when  all  seems 
to  be  going  on  well. 


AFTER   PAINS 

The  young  mother  is  not  likely  to  be  troubled 
with  after  pains  after  the  birth  of  her  first  child, 
tliough  she  is  liable  to  them  in  subsequent  confine- 
ments. 

They  are  caused  by  contractions  of  the  uterus, 
as  it  subsides  to  rest,  like  the  swell  of  the  w'aves 
after  a  storm. 

After  a  first  birth  the  walls  of  the  uterus,  being 
firm,  contract  once  for  all  and  remain  quiescent, 
causing  no  more  pain.     When  they  have  been  ex- 


272 


PI{p]PARATIOX    FOR    MOTHFRHOOD 


paiuU'cl  several  times,  the  walls  lose  tli(>ir  eoutraetile 
])(>\v(M'  to  a  (leu:ree  and  eaniiot  el()S(^  so  firmly,  con- 
tracting and  relaxing  several  times  hd'ore  they 
finally  settle  into  cjniet. 

These  pains  often  oeeur  at  night  and  may  last  for 
two  or  three  days  after  the  birth. 

A  folded  flannel  warmed  and  laid  o.ver  the  abdo- 
men may  give  relief,  or  a  hot  water  bag  aj)plied  to 
the  part.  If  they  are  so  severe  as  to  interfere  with 
sleep  the  doetor  will  give  an  anodyne  to  qniet  them. 

Thev  are  sometimes  exeited  bv  ])nttin!j:  the  babv 
to  the  breast  to  luirse,  so  intimate  is  the  connection 
between  the  breasts  and  the  uterus. 


EMERGENCY 

It  may  happen  in  a  rapid  labor  that  the  mother 
is  entirelv  alone  at  the  time  of  the  babv's  bii'th.  In 
this  ease  she  need  only  see  that  the  child  lies  so  its 
breathing  is  not  interfered  with,  its  head  raised  to 
be  out  of  the  way  of  the  discharges,  and  that  it  i,^ 
w^arndy  covered.  No  harm  will  come  to  it  until 
help  arrives.  Having  satisfied  herself  of  this,  the 
mother  must  lie  perfectly  still. 

Standing,  walking,  or  even  sitting  up  in  bed,  are 
fraught  with  danger.  She  may  not  be  injured  by 
moving,  but  there  is  a  probability  that  it  will  do 
mischief  and  it  is  better  to  run  no  risk. 


UEMOVING    STAINS 


273 


In  case  of  emergency,  thick  pads  of  newspaper  can 
be  placed  under  the  mother.  It  is  a  very  etficient 
protector  when  it  is  used  in  sullicient  quantity. 

If  the  birth  should  take  place  elsewliere  than  in 
the  room  {)repared  for  it,  the  mother  should  be  rolled 
on  a  blanket  which  can  be  lifted  by  the  corners,  at 
head  and  foot,  by  two  men.  8he  can  thus  be  car- 
ried to  her  own  bed  and  laid  upon  it  without  dis- 
turbing her  very  much.  The  blanket  is  easily 
slipped  from  beneath  her. 

REMOVING    STAINS 

It  may  be  well  to  mention  that  in  removing 
stains  of  blood  from  linen,  or  cotton,  it  should  be 
soaked  in  cold  water  for  some  hours  before  it  is 
washed.  If  boiling  water  is  poured  on  the  fresh 
stains  they  turn  dark  and  canrK)t  be  removed  with- 
out a  great  deal  of  labor  if  at  all. 

Blood  can  be  removtxl  from  rubber  sheetini;  with 
a  wet  cloth,  if  done  at  once.  When  it  has  been  al- 
lowed to  remain,  it  must  be  washed  with  chh«rinated 
soda  which  can  be  obtained  from  the  druggist. 

A  paste  of  starch,  or  flour,  mixed  with  vo\d  water 
may  be  spread  over  stains  on  blankets,  mn dresses, 
or  pillows,  and  brushed  otf  when  it  Is  dry.  If 
traces  are  still  left,  a  second  application  will  prol)a- 
bly  remove  them. 
13 


274 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTIIERHOOD 


THE   doctor's  COMFORT 

There  is  one  point  that  is  sometimes  forgotten  in 
preparing  for  the  labor  and  that  is  the  comfort  ol 
the  doctor.  The  \yise  housewife  will  make  provi- 
sion for  this  beforehand,  and  charge  some  member 
of  the  household  with  the  duty  of  seeing  her  instruc- 
tions carried  out. 

The  loss  of  a  night's  rest,  which  is  so  unusual  to 
ordinary  people,  is  a  common  occurrence  with  him  and 
he  remembers  gratefully  those  who  mitigate  his  dis- 
comfort as  much  as  possible. 

If  it  can  be  done  a  place  should  be  arranged  in 
an  adjoining  room  where  he  cai.  lie  down.  There 
are  often  long  intervals  of  waiting  when  he  can  do 
nothing  to  assist,  while  if  he  is  close  at  hand  the 
nurse  can  call  him  the  moment  he  seems  to  be  re- 
quired. 

Some  light  refreshment  should  be  brought  to  him, 
not  merely  oifered ;  his  tastes  can  easily  be  ascer- 
tained by  a  few  judicious  questions.  His  life  is  a 
very  self-sacrificing  one  and  his  patients  who  bene- 
fit by  it  should  try  to  return  his  care  for  them  by 
consideration  for  him.  Money  can  not  compensate 
the  priceless  devotion  and  self-forgetfulness  of  a 
good  physician. 

No  one  can  feel  this  more  fully  than  the  expectant 
mother,  who  has  conferred  with  her  family  physi- 


REMOVING   STAINS 


275 


cian  frequently  during  the  period  of  her  })regnancy 
and  has  been  helped,  advised  and  consoled  by  him. 
She  can  now  show  her  gratitude  in  a  substantial 
manner,  sure  that  it  will  be  recognized  and  appreci- 
ated by  the  object  of  it,  even  if  he  does  not  put  it 
ill  to  words. 

There  is  no  one  who  brings  more  comfort  into  the 
lying-in  room  than  the  doctor  does.  His  moral 
support,  as  he  cheers,  encourages  and  reassures,  is  as 
valuable  as  his  physical  assistance.  If  his  patient 
has  made  a  friend  of  him  during  the  preceding 
months,  she  reaps  the  benefit  of  it  now  in  her  time 
of  need,  knowing  that  she  can  entirely  trust  him 
with  herself  and  her  child. 


ill  i    ! 


CHAPTER    XVIII 


AFTER   CARE   OF   THE    MOTHER 


REST 

The  newly-niade  motlior  must  sleep  as  much  a- 
p()ssil)le  duriug  the  first  twenty-four  hours  nfur 
labor  is  ended.  She  could  not  have  a  better  begin  • 
ning  to  her  convalescence  than  a  long  period  of  pro- 
found repose. 

Her  mind  is  at  rest,  all  the  cares  and  anxieties 
of  the  past  months  are  forgotten,  she  is  happy  in  t\\v 
possession  of  her  baby  and  has  nothing  to  look  for- 
ward to  but  getting  well  as  speedily  as  she  can. 

She  should  not  be  disturbed  except  to  give  her 
nourishment  and  to  change  the  napkin,  even  then 
she  must  not  be  roused  more  than  is  absolutely 
necessary. 

If  she  is  awake  and  wishes  it.  the  baby  may  be  ])n{ 
to  the  breast  at  the  end  of  the  first  six,  or  eiglit, 
hours.  It  is  thought  that  the  aetiop  of  nursing  helps 
(276) 


FOOD — THE   SUPPLY    OF    iMILK 


277 


to  contract  the  uterus  more  tirmlv,  and  therefore  it 
is  an  advantage  to  the  mother. 

FOOD 

The  food  must  be  regulated  to  a  certain  extent  by 
the  appetite.  For  the  first  twenty-four  hours  li(piids, 
milk  toast,  or  some  farinaceous  preparation  is  all 
that  is  needed  ;  then  egg  on  toast,  bread  and  butter, 
etc.,  may  be  added  and  after  the  third  day,  if  there 
is  no  rise  in  teniperc-ture,  there  may  be  a  return  to 
tl  ^  usual  diet. 


THE  SUPPLY    OF   MILK 

The  nursing  mother  must  drink  abundantly  of 
liquid  food  to  ensure  a  good  supi)ly  of  milk.  For 
this  purpose  nothing  is  better  than  milk  itself  It 
can  be  prepared  as  she  has  been  accustomed  to  take 
it  during  her  pregnancy. 

What  the  children  call  ice  cream  milk  may 
make  a  pleasing  variety.  The  milk  is  sweetened 
and  flavored  with  vanilla,  essence  of  lemon,  or  bitter 
almond,  or  rose  water.  If  a  lightly  beaten  egg  is 
added,  it  becomes  "  cold  custard." 

Cocoa,  gruels  made  with  milk,  hot  milk  flavored 
with  tea,  or  coffee,  good  broth,  and  clear  soup  are 
all  beneficial. 

A  bowl  of  liquid  should  be  taken  immediately  on 


278 


PliEPA RATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


waking  in  the  morning,  anotlior  between  breakfast 
and  hnieh,  or  dinner,  a  third  between  dinner  and 
tea,  a  fourth  before  going  to  slee[),  and  if  there  is 
wakefuhiess  a  fifth  during  the  nigiit. 

Should  there  be  too  great  a  flow  of  milk  the 
supply  of  fluid  nnist  be  limited.  No  mother  ciui 
nourish  her  ehild  properly  unless  she  is  well  Hd 
herself. 

It  is  said  that  the  leaves  of  the  eastor  oil  plant, 
if  made  iiito  a  poultiee  and  applied  to  the  breasts, 
stimulate  the  secretion  of  milk  when  it  is  deficient. 

Good  milk,  unlike  that  of  the  cow,  looks  thin 
and  watery  and  has  a  bluish  tinge. 


CARE   OF   THE    BREASTS 

This  is  one  of  the  most  important  of  the  duties  of 
the  nurse.  If  she  does  not  know  just  what  ought 
to  be  done  the  mother  must  be  able  to  direct  her. 
The  penalty  of  neglect  may  be  intense  suffering,  an 
abscess,  or  what  used  to  be  called  ''  broken  breasts," 
and  the  necessity  of  weaning  the  child. 

For  the  first  two  davs  the  breasts  secrete  onlv 
what  is  known  as  colostrum.  This  is  a  fluid  with 
laxative  properties,  intended  to  act  upon  the  baby's 
bowels  and  remove  the  dark,  tarry  substance  with 
which  they  are  filled. 

The  third  day  this  begins  to  give  place  to  milk, 


CARE   OF   THH    HUEASTH 


279 


:iii(l  with  the  coming  of  tlio  milk  the  hn^astsare  coii- 
gosted  with  an  oversnp})!)'  of  blood  and  the  temper- 
ature is  apt  to  rise  a  little. 

Duriii*:^  this  day  the  baby,  if  possible,  should  not 
nurse  mon;  than  once  in  three  hours.  The  breastvS 
may  be  hard  and  not  improbably  a  little  hot  to  the 
touch. 

To  promote  the  circulation  and  relieve  the  tense- 
ness the  nurse  should  rub  the  breasts  in  the  most 
f2;entle  manner,  usino;  a  little  warm  olive  oil,  or  cam- 
phorated oil,  to  lubricate  them.  The  rubbin(»;  should 
l)e  done  in  the  gentlest  manner,  the  hands  scarcely 
touching  the  skin,  beginning  at  the  base  and  strok- 
ing upwards  towards  the  nipple.  It  may  be  some 
time  before  the  good  effect  is  perceived,  but  after  an 
hour's  faithful  work  the  whole  surface  will  be  found 
soft  and  the  milk  will  flow  easily  when  the  baby's 
li})S  are  applied  to  the  nipple. 

The  breasts  are  formed  of  pear-shaped  glands, 
growing  smaller  as  they  approach  the  nipples,  where 
the  points  converge.  If  the  milk  accumulates,  or 
cakes,  at  the  base  of  one  of  these  glands  a  hard  lump 
is  felt  which  must  be  dispersed,  or  mischief  will  en- 
sue. Gentle  persistent  rubbing  with  oil  will 
usually  have  the  desired  effect.  If  it  persists  the 
doctor  should  be  informed  at  once.  I^umps  near 
the  nipple  are  of  little  consequence,  particularly  if 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


A 


{/ 


'^'m 

/.,% 


y. 


(/a 


(/. 


1.0 


I.I 


■■     ili3_2 


,1  -10 


IIIM 
1.8 


1.25 

1.4 

1.6 

■< 

6"     — 

► 

V] 


<^/       A? 


e. 


"m 


^M 


'm   I 


ci- 


& 


*?# . , 


o 


o 


7 


/A 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


Ts  '^iW<  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTEK.N  Y    14S80 

(716)  872-4503 


V 


-b 


SJ 


\\ 


^9) 


V 


A» 


o^ 


% 


9. 


17 


^ 


^J>  Wrf> 


280 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


fpnii 


they  are  small.  In  any  other  part  of  the  broaf>t 
their  presence  should  be  immediately  reported. 

The  mother  must  instantly  check  the  least  at- 
tempt at  pressure  in  rubbing  the  breast.  It  is  not 
a  matter  of  comfort,  but  of  expediency,  Roiijrli 
handling  may  set  up  the  inflammation  it  is  desind 
to  avert. 

If  the  breast  becomes  painful  the  doctor  should 
be  sent  for.  It  is  misplaced  fortitude  to  bear  this 
pain  in  silence.  Should  it  swell  and  look  red  a 
single  thickness  of  cotton  wet  in  tepid  water  should 
be  kept  ov^er  it  until  the  doctor  comes. 

If  the  breasts  feel  heavy  or  seem  in  need  of 
support,  a  bandage  should  be  put  on  shaped  like  tlio 
letter  Y.  Tlie  tail  piece  goes  across  the  back  and  is 
cut  about  twice  as  long  as  is  necessary  for  that  pur- 
pose and  about  three  inches  wide.  Another  strip 
of  the  same  width  is  folded  and  pinned  to  one  end 
to  form  the  fork  of  the  Y.  One  end  of  this  goes  above 
the  breasts  the  other  below  them,  the  tail  piece  i-^ 
brought  round  behind  the  back  and  the  points  firmly 
pinned  to  it.  The  free  end  lies  across  the  nipples 
and  can  be  turned  back  when  the  child  nurses,  other- 
wise the  bandage  need  not  be  disturbed  then.  A 
little  absorbent  cotton  may  be  put  between  the 
breasts  and  about  them  if  needed  to  make  them 
more  comfortable. 


1% 


K     X 


CARE  OF  THE  BREASTS 


281 


They  are  sensitive  to  cold  and  should  have  a  light 
covering  thrown  over  thcni  when  the  baby  nurses. 

After  each  nursing  the  nipples  should  be  carefully 
washed  with  a  soft  cloth  and  a  little  tepid  water  in 
which  a  pinch  of  borax  has  been  dissolved.  Should 
any  other  preparation  be  used  on  them,  it  should  be 
washed  off  before  the  baby  nurses  and  renewed  when 
it  has  finished. 

When  the  nipples  are  sensitive  they  can  be  painted 
with  white  of  e<j:or,  whi(;h  is  allowed  to  drv  and  then 
applied  again  until  three  coats  have  been  put  on. 
The  nipple  should  be  dried  first. 

As  a  crack  in  the  nipple  causes  exquisite  pain  and 
often  prevents  the  baby  from  nursing  they  should 
be  carefully  watched,  particularly  if  they  have  not 
been  treated  before  the  confinement  to  })reparc  them 
for  use.  At  the  first  symptom  of  soreness  they 
should  be  painted  with  compound  tincture  of  benzoin, 
applied  with  a  camel's  hair  brush. 

Exquisite  cleanliness  is  necessary  to  prevent  par- 
ticles of  milk  from  remaining  in  the  folds  of  the 
skin  and  causing  trouble.  If  this  is  attended  to 
faithfully,  soreness  may  be  entirely  avoided. 

A  wash  of  twenty  grains  of  boracic  acid  to  one 
ounce  of  water  can  be  obtained  from  the  druggist 
and  used  instead  of  the  borax  and  water.  If  the 
skin  seems  very  delicate  the  boracic  acid  can  be  put 


282 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


in  mucilage  instead  of  water,  painted  on  in  a  thick 
coating  and  allowed  to  remain  until  the  next  nursing, 
when  it  is  washed  off  with  warm  water. 

The  state  of  the  nipples  should  be  reported  to  the 
doctor.  When  the  skin  is  actually  cracked  and 
painful  an  application  of  cocaine  is  usually  ordered. 
This  has  to  be  washed  oif  w'ith  special  care  before 
the  baby  nurses. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  use  a  nipple  shield.  These 
are  made  of  rubber  and  put  over  the  nipple  before 
the  child  takes  it  in  its  mouth. 

Prevention  is  so  nuich  easier  and  more  agreeable 
than  cure  in  this  matter,  that  no  attention  is 
too  great  to  bestow  to  prevent  the  nipj)les  from 
becoming  sore.  There  is  little  danger  when  they 
have  been  properly  attended  to  before  the  child  is 
born  and  are  kept  clean  afterwards. 

If  for  any  reason  the  baby  (iannot  nurse,  the  doctor 
will  order  a  preparation,  probably  bolladoniia,  in 
the  form  of  liniment,  ointment,  or  plaster  to  be  ap- 
plied to  the  breasts  to  dry  up  the  milk.  In  putting 
on  a  plaster  a  hole  must  be  cut  in  the  middle  for  the 
nipple  to  come  through. 

As  little  fluid  as  possible  is  taken  for  a  few  days 
until  the  flow  is  checked.  Drawing  the  milk  with 
a  breast  pump  should  not  be  resorted  to  if  it  can  be 


HOOD 


CLEANLINESS 


283 


on  in  a  thick 
;  next  nursing, 

!r. 

-eported  to  the 

cracked   and 

anally  ordered. 

ial  care  before 

shieUl.  Tliese 
i  nipple  before 

more  agreeable 
0  attention  is 
3  nip]>les  from 
crer  when  they 
re  the  child  is 


lursc,  the  doctor  | 
belladonna,  in  jl 
aster  to  be  ap-  | 
k.  Inputting  I 
middle  for  the    I 

: 
'■ 

for  a  few  days 
the  milk  with 
to  if  it  can  be 


avoided,  as  this  stimulates  the  secretion.     It  some- 
times has  to  be  resorted  to. 

CLEANLINESS 

The  great  importance  of  cleanliness  in  the  lying- 
in  room  has  already  been  insisted  upon.  It  cannot 
be  too  earnestly  reiterated.  The  newly-made  mother 
is  peculiarly  liable  to  infection.  Siie  herself  and 
everything  about  her  must  be  kept  scrupulously 
clean. 

The  napkin  should  be  changed  at  first  as  often  as 
is  necessary.  Later,  when  the  discharge  lessens,  not 
less  frequently  than  three  times  a  day.  As  soon  as 
it  is  removed  it  should  be  rolled  in  paper  and 
burned. 

If  the  under  sheet  becomes  stained  or  soiled,  it 
must  be  immediately  replaced  by  a  fresh  one.  It  is 
best  to  lay  a  folded  sheet  across  the  bed  with  the 
India-rubber  cloth  beneath  it,  or  between  its  folds. 
This  is  easily  drawn  out  and  changed  without  the 
disturbance  that  taking  oiF  the  under  sheet  must 
cause  the  patient. 

If  stitches  have  been  taken,  the  parts  are  most 
easily  washed  by  very  gentle  syringing  with  the 
fountain  syringe.  It  must  only  be  held  high  enough 
to  permit  the  water  to  trickle  over  them  into  the  bed 
pan  placed  beneath  the  patient  to  receive  it. 


mmt 


284 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


In  ordinary  cases  wiping  the  parts  with  a  soft 
cloth  wrung  out  of  tepid  water  is  all  that  is  neces- 
sary when  the  napkin  is  changed,  or  water  has  been 
})assed.  Tliese  precautions  are  very  simple,  air 
easily  taken  and  their  neglect  may  be  followed  \>\- 
serious  consequences. 

The  method  of  giving  a  sponge  bath  has  been  de- 
tailed in  the  chapter  on  baths. 

A  piece  of  cotton  twisted  around  a  wooden  tooth 
pick  may  be  utilized  for  cleansing  the  teeth  while  it 
is  difficult  to  use  the  tooth  brush. 


THE   HAIR 

If  the  hair  has  not  been  braided  before  the  con- 
finement and  the  mother  haj)})ens  to  be  unable  to 
have  it  brushed  or  combed  for  a  few  days,  it  will  be 
in  a  sad  snarl.  ?iluch  patience  is  requisite  to  get  it 
smooth  again,  and  hair  has  been  cut  off  that  need  not 
have  been  sacrificed  had  enough  pains  been  expended 
upon  it  to  get  it  straight. 

Hair  forty  inches  long  that  had  been  untouched 
bv  comb  or  brush  for  three  weeks,  has  been  disen- 
tangled,  but  it  is  a  task  that  equals  one  of  the  labors 
of  Hercules. 

In  a  bad  case  only  a  few  locks  can  be  done  at  a 
time  and  when  a  portion  is  set  free  it  must  be 
braided  to  keep  it  in  place.     If  possible  the  comb- 


THE   EYI':S — MEDICINE 


285 


ing  sl.oukl  be  begun  at  the  ends.  Sometimes 
it  is  so  matted  that  the  ends  cannot  be  found. 
The  tanojles  mav  be  moistened  witli  alcohol 
which  helps  to  loosen  them.  Tiie  hairs  can 
he  drawn  out  of  a  knot  by  picking  uj)  each  one  sep- 
arately with  a  needle. 

It  is  an  apparently  hopeless,  endless  task,  and  to 
j)revent  it  the  braiding  should  not  be  neglected  in 
the  beginning.  By  turning  tiie  head  from  side  to 
side  it  is  easy  to  dress  each  braid  in  turn. 

The  most  satisfactory  way  to  fasten  them  is  to 
double  up  the  ends  and  twist  a  few  loose  hairs 
tightly  about  them.  This  seldom  slips  off.  During 
convalescence  ribbons  can  be  tied  over  them. 

THE    EYES 

For  a  few  davs  the  mother's  eyes  should  be 
shielded  from  a  brioht  lioht.  The  room  can  be 
partially  darkened  dui'ing  the  day  and  the  gas,  or 
lamp,  siiadcd  at  night.  Even  if  she  feels  well  she 
should  not  read  until  after  the  third  day.  Kest  of 
mind  and  body  is  all  important. 


MEDICINE 

No  mecicine  should  be  taken  without  the  doctor's 
{)ermission.  If  the  bowels  haye  been  thoroughly 
moved  before  the  birth  of  tiie  bai)yj  it  is  uo  mutter 


286 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


if  there  is  not  another  motion  for  the  first  two 
days. 

For  constipation  later  in  the  convalescence  resource 
may  be  had  to  the  methods  of  relief  recommended 
for  trial  during  the  pregnancy.  Unless  in  very 
obstinate  cases  the  difficulty  usually  disappears  as 
soon  as  solid  food  can  be  taken. 

While  the  patient  is  still  in  bed,  rubbing  the  ab- 
domen with  warm  oil  and  gentle  pressure  and  ma- 
nipulation of  the  bowels,  beginning  low  down  on  the 
right  side,  passing  up,  across,  and  down  the  left  side, 
thus  following  the  course  of  the  large  intestine  is 
sometimes  effectual. 

The  rubber  hot  water  bag  is  tlie  great  resource 
for  cramp  and  pains. 


POINTS   TO   BE   MENTIONED 

Sleeplessness  should  be  mentioned  to  the  doctor  as 
lie  may  be  able  to  prescribe  sometliing  which  will 
relieve  it. 

If  the  discharge  has  a  disagreeable  odor  it  should 
be  at  once  mentioned  to  the  doctor.  There  is  al- 
ways a  peculiar  odor,  not  unlike  that  of  the  men- 
strual flow.  This  is  not  offensive  aiid  need  excite 
no  suspicion,  but  any  departure  from  it  should  be 
noted. 

On  first  sitting  up  in  bed  the  lochia  may  become 


m. ! !' 


MILK    LEO 


287 


first  two 

2e  resource 
3aimeiKk(l 
s    in  verv 


appeal 


■s  as 


iig  the  ab- 
B  and  nui- 
own  on  the 
he  left  side, 
intestine  is 

jat  resource 


le  doctor  as 
which  will 

)r  it  should 
'here  is  al- 
if  the  men- 
need  excite 
should  be 

lay  become 


a  deei)er  red.  Tins  is  of  little  importance  unless 
there  is  a  profuse  flow,  when  the  patient  should  lie 
clown  again  and  remain  cpiiet  until  it  ceases. 

As  the  young  mother  is  so  liable  to  infection,  it 
has  been  wisely  said  that  for  the  first  few  weeks  her 
letters  sliould  be  opened  by  some  near  relative,  that 
there  may  be  no  doubt  it  is  safe  for  her  to  have 
them.  Many  of  the  eruptive  diseases,  as  scarlet 
fever,  can  be  conveye<l  by  letters.  A  thoughtless 
person  who  w^as  nursing  a  child  ill  with  it,  or  writing 
from  the  same  house,  might  send  one,  meaning  no 
harm. 

There  may  be  a  slight  chill  on  the  third  day  when 
the  milk  comes,  as  the  temperature  may  be  slightly 
elevated  then. 

If  it  is  severe,  or  persists,  coming  several  times  in 
succession,  the  doctor  should  be  informed.  A  chill 
at  any  other  period  should  be  mentioned  to  liim. 

l^riLK    LEO 

Pain  in  the  leg  should  always  be  spoken  of  and 
attended  to.  There  is  sometimes  an  inflammation 
of  the  tissues  of  the  leg  about  the  veins  which  is  very 
painful.  The  !''^g  swells  and  looks  white,  which  has 
given  the  affection  its  popular  name  of  milk  leg. 

It  should  be  wrapped  in  cotton  batting,  laid  on 
pillows  and  the  weight  of  the  clothes  supported  so 


•I:i 


^^i 


288 


lMli:i*A RATION    FOU   MOTIIKIIIIOOD 


as  nut  to  pirss  u[k)ii  it.  A  little  IVjinu*  can  ln'mado 
from  luirrcl  hoo}„s  or  stout  wiro  bout  into  sliapo  for 
the  i)iirpose,  the  ends  fastened  to  two  lont::  'stri[.< 
of  wood,  if  a  cradle  cannot  be  obtained.  This  i> 
the  technical  name  of  the  appliance  nsed  in  hos- 
pitals to  snstain  the  bedclotlu's  when  their  weight 
cannot  be  borne  by  the  invalid. 

The  snfferer  from  milk  lejz,"  shonld  lie  as  still  as 
possible,  not  attempting  to  sit  up  in  bed.  The  milk 
has  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the  swelling. 

CONVALESCENCE 

When  the  convalescence  proceeds  withont  any  of 
the  drawbacks  that  have  been  mentioned,  there  shonld 
be  few  disagreeable  feelings.  As  the  strength  re- 
turns it  is  a  time  of  repose  and  refreshment ;  with  a 
good  baby  there  should  be  nothing  to  mar  its  j)eace- 
fnlness.  While  the  nurse  stays,  all  care  should  be 
made  over  to  her. 

Older  mothers  may  tell  the  young  mother  of  the 
rapidity  with  which  they  recovered  from  their  con- 
finements, what  they  did  at  the  end  of  three  weeks 
and  how  active  they  were  long  before  the  close  of 
the  month.  She  might  follow  their  exampb  and 
apparently  be  none  the  worse  for  it.  She  nn'ght  try 
to  emulate  their  briskness  and  suifer  for  it  all  her 
life.     It  is  not  worth  while  to  run  the  risk. 


i^  I 


CON  VA  I. ESSENCE. 


28i) 


However  well  she  feels,  and  between  relief  of 
body  and  exhiluratioii  of  mind  she  often  feels  very 
well  indeed,  it  is  only  a  reasonahle  precaution  to 
stay  qnietly  in  bed  nntil  the  ninth,  or  tenth  day. 
She  may  then  move  qnietly  to  the  easy  chair,  or 
coiieh,  walk  about  her  room  a  little  after  the  first 
two  weeks  are  over,  but  still  sit  with  her  feet  up 
when  it  is  possible.  The  fifth  week  is  quite  time 
cnouti^h  for  her  to  leave  her  room  to  be«rin  to  take 
up  her  ordinary  duties  again. 

W  she  wishes  to  go  downstairs  after  the  third 
week  the  progress  should  be  made  slowly  and  care- 
fully. In  summer  a  drive  in  an  easy  carriage  will 
do  no  harm.  She  should  sit  on  a  soft  cushion  and 
have  another  at  her  back. 

Walking  should  be  indulged  in  very  moderately. 
It  is  six  weeks  before  involution  is  accomplished, 
that  is,  before  the  uterus  assumes  what  will  be  its 
normal  condition.  During:  the  earlier  weeks  stand- 
iiiij:  and  walking  tend  to  bring  too  much  weight  oa 
the  ligaments  supporting  it  and  so  displace  it. 

This  is  an  accident  which  causes  much  discom- 
fort later  on  when  perfect  health  should  have  re- 
turned. How  many  mothers  say  "  I  have  never 
Icit  quite  right  since  my  first  child  was  born. '^  Per- 
haps a  little  extra  precaution  at  that  time  might 

have  prevented  all  they  have  suffered  since  then. 
19 


2f»0 


ri:i:i'AiiATioN  for  mothkkiiood 


CONFIDENCE    IN    THE    DOCTOR 

A  woman  .should  not  jHTinit  any  i'crling  of  fal^c 
nuxlestv  to  induce  her  to  conceal  from  her  phvsiciaii 

v  I  » 

any  unusual  sensation,  or  circumstance,  durin;^  thi> 
iK'riod  of  convalescence.  If  she  fears  that  anvthiiitr 
is  wrong  now  is  the  time  to  speak  of  it  and  have  it 
remedied  if  possible.  She  owes  it  to  her  family  as 
well  as  to  herself  that  no  preventable  disability 
should  be  allowed  to  continue. 

Women  will  cheerfully  submit  to  severe  surgical 
operations  and  undergo  painful  and  disagreeable 
treatment  when  they  know  it  is  necessary  for  their 
restoration  to  health.  Yet  many  of  them  liesitate 
to  tell  their  physician  some  symptom  which  if 
he  knew  it  might  enable  liim  to  take  measures  to 
})revent  the  necessity  of  resorting  to  such  drastic 
remedies. 

Perfect  confidence  between  doctor  and  patient  can 
only  result  in  good  to  the  latter,  and  no  physician 
should  be  employed  to  wh*^^i  this  cannot  be  given. 

The  mother  should  make  a  point  of  seeing  the 
doctor  alone  for  a  few  minutes  during  each  visit, 
even  if  she  has  to  request  the  nurse  to  leave  the 
room  that  she  may  do  so.  Then  should  anything 
occur  to  make  his  private  counsel  necessary  she  will 
feel  no  embarrassment  and  find  no  difficulty  in  secur- 
ing it. 


M 


CHAPTER  XIX 


AFTER  CARE  OF  THE  CHILD 


CARE  OF  THE  CORD 

This  is  now  simply  drcssv'd  with  a  dry  dressing  in- 
stead of  the  ointments  which  nsod  to  bo  used  for  it. 
The  natural  tendency  of  the  cord  is  to  dry  up  and 
wither  away  and  it  is  wise  to  try  to  assist  nature 
instead  of  running  counter  to  her  indications. 

The  stump  of  the  cord  is  sprinkled  with  powdered 
borax.  A  hole  is  cut  in  the  middle  of  a  piece  of 
linen  about  four  inches  square,  the  cord  drawn 
through  the  hole  and  the  linen  folded  over  it.  This 
is  secured  in  place  with  the  binder. 

When  the  child  is  washed  great  care  should  be 
taken  to  avoid  wetting  this  dressing.  If  it  can  be 
kept  dry  the  cord  w^ill  shrivel  up  and  drop  ofif  in 
less  than  a  week. 

If  instead  of  shrinking  and  dessicating  it  should 
remain  soft  and  begin  to   smell    unpleasantly  the 

(291) 


292 


PREPARATION    FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


doctor  should  be  informed.  He  will  probably  have 
it  washed  witli  weak  carbolized  water  and  the  drv 
dressing  changed  more  frequently. 

After  it  has  dropped  off'  a  folded  piece  of  linen 
can  be  ke2)t  over  the  navel  for  a  few  clays.  If  it 
pouts  or  protrudes  a  little,  as  it  sometimes  does,  a 
wooden  button  mould,  or  large  smooth  button  with- 
out a  shank,  can  be  wrapped  in  linen,  the  roundiiii 
part  placed  next  the  navel  to  press  it  gently  inwards, 
and  secured  with  the  binder. 


RrPTURE 

If  there  is  a  marked  protrusion  it  should  be  re- 
ported to  the  doctor,  as  in  this  case  a  portion  of  tlie 
intestine  has  probably  come  through  the  opening  in 
the  muscular  wall  of  the  abdomen,  under  the  skin. 
This  should  be  replaced  and  held  in  position  by  w 
proper  belt,  worn  for  some  months,  until  the  weak 
point  closes. 

This  accident  also  may  happen  low  down  in  the 
groin  and  in  otiier  parts  of  the  abdomen.  The  in- 
testine is  felt  as  a  soft,  movable  bunch  under  the 
skin. 

It  is  not  immediately  dangerous,  but  may  become 
so  if  it  is  not  replaced.  The  child  should  be  placed 
in  a  warm  bath  to  relax  the  parts.  Very  gentlf 
pressure  may  be  made  on  the  protuberance  to  try  t(» 


WARMTH 


293 


reduce  it.  If  it  does  not  yield  readily  the  doctor 
.should  be  sent  for.  A  proper  truss  must  be  put  on 
to  prevent  the  recurrence. 


WARMTH 

There  is  nothing  more  potent  in  keeping  a  young 
baby  good  and  comfortable,  which  in  this  case  are 
svnonomous  terms,  than  warmth.  This  does  not 
mean  that  it  shall  be  kept  in  a  hot  room  and  de- 
prived of  fresh  air,  but  that  it  shall  be  warmly  and 
closely  wrapped  when  it  is  laid  down. 

A  new-})orn  child  has  been  accustomed  to  lie  with 
its  limbs  close  against  the  body  and  sustained  by  an 
elastic  pressure.  It  misses  this  support  and  rests 
more  quietly  when  its  place  is  supplied.  The  Ger- 
mantown  wool  blanket  should  be  wound  round  it, 
a  crib  blanket  over  that  and  the  pillow  pressed  close 
to  the  body, 

A  hot  water  bag  filled  with  warm — not  hot — 
water  and  covered  with  flannel  can  bo  pnt  near  it. 
It  should  be  shielded  from  draughts.  If  it  is 
necessary  to  carry  it  i'rom  one  room  to  another  its 
head  sliould  be  covered.  In  lavino;  it  down  the 
blanket  should  be  drawn  awav  from  the  face.  Air 
that  has  been  re-breathed  is  not  at  all  better  for 
babies  than  for  grown  persons. 


■a 


tmm. 


294 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


POSITION 

A  new-born  child  is  laid  on  its  right  side  to  facil- 
itate the  closing  of  a  little  valve  in  the  heart. 

After  the  first  few  days  it  is  well  to  turn  it  ovci- 
every  two  hours.  It  is  not  well  for  it  always  to  lie 
in  the  same  position.  If  this  is  gently  done  it  will 
not  waken  it.  It  is  best  to  place  it  on  the  rij^ht 
side  immediately  after  a  meal,  otherwise  the  liver, 
which  in  a  young  baby  is  disproportionately  large 
and  heavy,  presses  on  the  stomach  and  interferes 
with  digestion. 

Some  authorities  advocate  laying  the  child  on  its 
chest  with  the  head  turned  to  one  side.  It  is  said 
that  the  lungs  have  freer  play  in  this  position  and 
that  children  accustomed  to  it  prefer  it  to  any  other. 


i  i: 


NURSING 

After  the  child  has  been  bathed  as  directed  ii> 
Chapter  VI,  dressed  and  warmly  wrapped  up,  it 
should  be  laid  to  sleep  and  left  undisturbed  as  long 
as  it  will  consent  to  remain  so. 

At  any  time  from  four  to  six  hours  after  its  birth 
it  may  be  put  to  the  breast,  if  the  mother  is  ready 
for  it.  The  colostrum  has  a  laxative  effect  and 
helps  to  expel  the  waste  matter  with  which  the 
bowel  is  filled. 


NURSING 


295 


It  is  sometimes  difficult  to  induce  a  baby  to  begin 
to  nurse.  If  the  finger  is  dipped  in  warm  water  and 
put  in  its  mouth  it  may  grasp  it  and  begin  to  suck 
if  it  is  gently  moved  between  the  lips.  The  mouth 
can  then  be  transferred  to  the  nipple.  Several  at- 
tempts may  have  to  be  made  before  the  baby  will 
take  hold  properly. 

During  the  first  two  days  it  need  only  be  put  to 
the  breast  once  in  four  hours,  and  this  interval  may 
be  lengthened  if  baby  and  mother  sleep. 

As  has  been  already  said,  the  mother's  milk  does 
not  come  until  the  third  day.  If  the  infant  is  an 
unusually  vigorous  child  it  may  be  hungry  and 
clamor  loudly  for  food  in  the  interval.  A  few  tea- 
spoonfuls  of  plain  warm  water  may  be  tried  first. 
If  this  does  not  satisfy  it,  dilute  a  mixture  of  half 
milk  and  half  cream,  one  teaspoonful  of  each,  with 
four  teaspoonfuls  of  boiled  water,  add  a  pinch  of 
sugar  of  milk,  and  feed  it  with  that. 

The  warm  water  is  be^t  if  the  baby  will  accept  it. 

It  fills  the  empty  stomach  and  soothes  instead  of 
irritating  it  with  food  to  digest  at  a  time  when  Na- 
ture intends  that  nothing  more  substantial  than  the 
colostrum  shall  be  offered  to  it. 

If  the  baby  cries  it  may  be  from  some  other  cause 
than  hunger,  and  pains  should  be  taken  to  ascertain 
that  it  is  comfortable  and  has  no  just  cause  for  com- 


■iMiiHiipiai 


Ij 


296 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


plaint,  before  deciding  that  it  requires  food^  which 
may  only  add  to  the  difficulty  instead  of  removini; 
it. 

In  nursing,  the  child  should  he  held  easily  on  the 
arm  and  care  should  be  taken  that  the  nose  is  not 
pressed  against  the  breast,  or  it  cannot  breathe,  the 
mouth  being  otherwise  occupied.  If  the  breast  is 
unusually  full,  a  finger  sliould  be  placed  above  and 
below  the  nipple  and  the  areola  gently  pressed  bade. 
This  helps  to  check  the  flow  of  the  milk  when  it 
comes  too  quickly.  The  baby  should  have  one  breast 
at  each  nursing,  taking  them  alten  ately.  If  the 
mother  cannot  remember  which  was  taken  last  she 
should  wear  a  ring,  or  bracelet,  that  can  be  changed 
from  one  side  to  the  other  as  needed. 


WASHING   THE   MOUTH 

After  nursing  the  baby's  mouth  should  be  washed 
with  a  little  swab,  made  of  a  piece  of  cambrir 
handkerchief  doubled,  dipped  into  tepid  water  which 
has  been  boiled. 

This  should  be  done  in  the  gentlest  manner. 
Rough  handling  may  rub  off  the  tender  skin  and  if 
this  is  broken  the  mouth  may  become  sore. 

When  the  washing  is  neglected  the  particles  of 
milk  lodging  there  may  decompose  and  give  rise  to 
a  disorder  called  thrush,  which  in  aggravated  cases 


INTERVAL   OF    FEEDING 


297 


is  fatal  to  little  babies.  It  is  a  kind  of  fungoid 
growth  appearing  in  the  form  of  tiny  white  spots 
and  may  extend  through  the  whole  intestinal  canal. 
Cleanliness  prevents  it. 

The  baby  should  have  a  teaspoonful  of  boiled 
water  several  times  during  the  day.  Milk  does  not 
satisfy  thirst.  In  giving  a  baby  anything  from  a 
spoon  it  should  be  remembered  that  the  spoon  must 
be  witlidrawn  from  the  mouth,  releasing  the  tongue, 
before  the  child  can  swallow. 


INTERVAL   OF   FEEDING 

Not  much  regularity  can  be  observed  during  the 
first  three  days  in  the  time  of  putting  the  baby  to 
the  breast.  After  that  it  should  be  nursed  every 
two  hours  during  the  day  for  the  first  three  months 
and  not  more  than  once,  or  twice  at  the  most,  during 
the  night. 

Babies,  like  their  elders,  are  creatures  of  habit. 
It  is  quite  possible  to  teach  them  not  to  require  food 
at  night,  which  to  them  as  to  others  should  be  a 
time  of  rest.  Unless  the  mother  is  obliged  to  nurse 
the  child  for  hor  own  relief,  it  is  best  for  it  not  to  be 
fed  between  eleven  p.  m.  and  six  A.  M.  Some  babies 
will  sleep  even  longer  than  this. 

Nothing  is  more  pernicious  for  mother  or  child, 
than  to  permit  the  baby  to  He  by  its  mother  and 


wmmmm 


298 


PKEPAUATION    FOR    MOTHEUHOOD 


Durse  whenever  it  stirs.  It  exhausts  the  mother's 
vitality  and  ruins  the  baby's  digestion. 

Milk  requires  about  an  hour  to  digest  in  a  baby's 
stomach.  Nursing  it  at  intervals  of  two  hours  dur- 
ing the  day  gives  time  for  the  completion  of  tlio 
process  and  the  necessary  rest  to  the  organ  before  it 
begins  work  again. 

A  baby  usually  nurses  about  ten  or  fifteen 
minutes.  When  it  is  satisfied  it  drops  asleep  and  so 
stops  of  its  own  accord.  If  it  is  hungry  it  will  take 
hold  of  the  nipple  gladly  when  it  is  presented  to  it. 
If  very  sleepy  and  manifestly  unwilling  to  take 
nourishment,  it  should  not  be  pressed.  It  will  cry 
for  it  when  it  is  hungry  again.  In  this  case  the 
next  hour  of  nursing  should  be  counted  from  the 
time  it  does  condescend  to  take  food. 


FEEDING 

If  the  mother  cannot  nurse  the  child,  its  life  de- 
pends upon  a  food  being  found  which  it  can  digest. 

During  the  first  two  days,  as  has  been  said,  very 
little  food  is  required.  AVarm  water,  or  the  cream, 
milk  and  water,  alone  should  be  given. 

After  that  cow's  milk,  properly  prepared,  is  the 
best  substitute  for  mother's  milk.  There  arc 
children  who  seem  to  be  unable  to  assimilate  it  and 
for  these  other  food  must  be  found.     Its  use  should 


till' 


FEEDING 


209 


be  persevered  in  for  several  days,  and  it  should  be 
weakened  and  strengthened  by  varying  the  propor- 
tion of  water  before  it  is  abandoned  for  any  prepared 
artificial  food. 

When  the  baby  persistently  vomits,  or  cries  with 
colic,  or  seems  dissatisfied  after  its  meal,  the  food 
sliould  be  changed. 

There  are  several  important  points  of  difference 
between  cow's  milk  and  that  of  the  human  mother, 
which  renders  it  necessary  to  especially  prepare  the 
former  before  it  can  be  given  to  an  infant. 

Cow's  milk  is  slightly  acid  and  becomes  more  and 
more  so  the  longer  it  is  kept  after  being  milked. 
Mother's  milk  is  alkaline.  For  this  reason  cow's 
milk  is  treated  with  lime  water  to  neutralize  the 
acidity. 

The  milk  of  the  cow  contains  abonttwiceasmuch 
solid  matter  as  a  woman's  milk.  This  is  chiefly 
caseine,  the  hard  substance  of  which  cheese  is  made 
when  it  is  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  milk  by 
being  curdled.  For  an  infant's  food  this  proportion 
must  be  lessened  by  diluting  the  milk  with  water. 

Mother's  milk  is  richer  in  fat  and  contains  more 
sugar  than  cow's  milk.  These  must  be  supplied  by 
adding  cream  and  sugar  of  milk. 

Cream  is  tiny  globules  of  fat  surrounded  by  a 
thin  film  of  caseine.     When  it  is  shaken  in  a  churn 


^m 


i       ' 


300 


PREPARATION    FOR   xMOTIIERIIOOD 


this  covering  is  ruptured,  the  fatty  particles  coalesce 
and  form  butter. 

When  milk  is  curdled,  the  watery  part  remainint^r 
is  called  whey.  Sugar  of  milk  is  obtained  byevap- 
orating  the  whey  and  recrystallizing  the  powder  thus 
obtained.  Tt  does  not  ferment  as  easily  as  sugar 
obtained  from  the  beet,  or  the  sugar  cane,  and  so  is 
better  for  babies.  It  is  a  dry  white  powder  which 
can  be  obtained  from  any  druggist.  It  is  inexpen- 
sive and  keeps  indefinitely. 

The  requirements  of  a  mixture  which  shall  ap- 
proximate as  nearly  as  possible  to  the  mother's  milk 
is  met  in  the  following  recipe  prepared  by  Dr. 
Meigs,  called 

CREAM   FOOD 

Cream  2  tablesj)oonfuls. 

Milk  1  tablespoon  fu\. 

Lime  water  2  tablespoonfuls. 

Milk  sugar  water  3  tablespoonfuls. 

The  milk  sugar  water  is  made  by  dissolving  half 
an  ounce  of  sugar  of  milk  in  half  a  pint  of  boilin 
water.  This  sours  if  kept  more  than  twenty-four 
hours. 

LIME   AVATER 

It  is  a  common  saying  that  whatever  is  paid  for 
lime  water  is  too  much,  the  cost  of  making  it  is  so 
small. 


l^ 


STERILIZING   MILK 


.^■''' 


301 


If  the  material  for  it  cannot  be  obtained,  it  must 
be  bought  at  tlie  druggist's  ready  prepared. 

To  make  it,  take  one  ounce  of  lime,  put  it  in  a 
bottle  with  one  quart  of  cold  water  that  has  been 
previously  boiled.  When  the  effervescence  subsides 
slake  the  bottle.  After  the  lime  has  sunk  to  the 
bottom  pour  off  the  clear  fluid  and  add  again  the 
same  quantity  of  water,  shaking  a  second  time.  Let 
it  stand  fbr  twelve  hours  and  pour  off  the  water 
carefully  for  use,  leaving  the  sediment  behind. 
Keep  the  bottle  containing  it  corked. 

The  lime  must  be  in  a  lum}/,  no^  air-slaked. 

It  cannot  be  made  too  strong,  as  water  only  has 
the  power  to  absorb  a  certain  quantity  of  lime, 
about  a  quarter  of  a  grain  to  the  tablespoonful. 


STERILIZING    MILK 

It  IS  always  safest  to  sterilize  the  food.  By  this 
means  any  noxious  germs  it  may  contain  are  ren- 
dered incapable  of  doing  harm  to  the  baby,  if  not 
actually  destroyed. 

The  milk  should  be  allowed  to  stand  for  about 
three  hours  after  it  is  received  and  the  upper  third 
only  used  for  the  food,  as  it  then  contains  more 
cream. 

To  sterilize  it,  a  number  of  small  bottles  should  be 
provided  currcspoxKling  to  the  number  of  times  the 


mmmf 


n. 


302 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


baby  is  fed   during  the    twenty-four  hours,  about 
nine. 

The  quantity  of  food  requisite  for  one  feeding  is 
put  in  each  bottle. 

Invert  a  perforated  tin  pie  plate  in  the  bottom  of 
a  large  saucepan  and  stand  the  bottles  on  it.  Put 
in  enough  cold  water  to  come  above  the  milk  in  the 
bottles  and  set  the  saucepan  on  the  fire.  When  the 
water  boils  draw  it  to  a  cooler  part  of  the  stove  aud 
let  it  stand,  covered,  for  an  hour.  The  bottles 
should  be  stopped  with  a  tuft  of  cotton  batting, 
which  is  said  to  be  particularly  efficacious  in  strain- 
ing out  germs. 

When  tlie  bottles  are  taken  from  the  water  they 
should  bo  put  in  the  ice  chest,  or  a  cool  })lace. 
When  one  is  needed,  the  cotton  batting  is  removed, 
the  rubber  top  put  on  and  the  baby  takes  its  meal 
without  the  milk  having  beci  exposed  to  the  danger 
of  contamination  from  any  source. 


PEPTONIZING   MILK 

If  the  child's  digestion  is  very  delicate  it  may  be 
necessary  to  peptonize  the  milk  before  it  is  given. 
By  this  means  the  food  is  partially  digested  before 
it  enters  the  stomach.  No  doubt  the  lives  of  manv 
babies  have  been  saved  by  adopting  this  process  of 
pre-digesting  the  food, 


VOMITING 


303 


Extract  of  pancreatin,  tablets  of  paiicrcatin  and 
soda,  or  peptogenic  milk  powder  can  be  used.  The 
latter  is  especially  prepared  for  ])eptonizlng  infant's 
food.  Directions  accompany  the  different  prepara- 
tions. 

VOMITING 

If  a  baby  vomits  after  being  fed,  grows  jude  and 
listless  and  evidently  is  not  thriving,  the  food 
should  be  peptonized. 

Vomiting  used  to  be  considered  a  sign  of  health 
and  there  is  this  to  be  said  in  its  favor.  Babies  are 
very  often  overfed,  a  larger  quantity  being  given 
them  than  the  stomach  can  contain.  They  reject 
food  from  simple  inability  to  retain  it.  In  this  case 
less  must  be  given  at  each  feeding. 

When  the  vomiting  is  incessant  and  the  baby 
does  not  gain  in  weight,  it  is  apparent  that  not 
enough  food  is  being  assimilated  to  meet  its  require- 
ments and  a  change  must  be  made,  or  the  life  of  the 
child  will  be  sacrificed. 

An  accidental  attack  of  vomiting  means  nothing 
more  than  some  temporary  disturbance.  When  it 
is  habitual,  the  cause  should  be  sought  for,  found 
and  removed.  It  is  too  serious  a  condition  to  be 
neglected. 

Note, — For  children  over  one  month  old  there  are  several  foods 
which  may  be  tried.  The  subject  of  food  for  children  is  treated 
at  length  in  "  The  Care  of  Children,"  froH*  ,hich  some  of  these 
directions  are  taken. 


304 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHKRIIOOD 


AMOUNT   OF    FOOD 

The  stomach  of  a  grown  person  will  contain  ahoiit 
five  pints.  That  of  a  new  born  child  is  said  to  he 
able  to  hold  less  than  six  teaspoonfiils  of  Ihiid. 
P)abics  are  usually  fed  a  much  larger  quantity  than 
this  at  one  time. 

We  know  how  uncomfortable  we  ourselves  feci 
after  too  large  a  meal.  It  may  be  that  much  of 
the  crying  of  very  young  children  is  caused  by  being 
overfed. 

The  capacity  of  the  stomach  increases  rapidly  in 
the  first  two  months  of  an  infant's  life,  after  that 
time  it  grows  more  slowly.  The  amount  of  food 
given  should  keep  pace  with  this  demand. 

Babies  vary  in  appetite  and  power  of  assimilation 
just  as  adults  do.  The  amount  that  would  abun- 
dantly satisf}''  a  small,  delicate  child,  with  a  feeble 
digestion,  might  be  quite  inadequate  for  a  strong, 
Healthy  one,  who  could  easily  dispose  of  the  nourish- 
ment given  it. 

The  intervals  of  feeding  should  be  the  same  as  in 
nursing. 

TEMPERATURE  OF   FOOD 

Giving  food  too  hot  is  a  sure  way  to  disturb  the 
digestion  of  young  babies.  The  mother's  milk, 
which  is  the  model  to  be  approached  as  nearly  as 


THK    NURSINC}    BOTTLE 


305 


same  as  m 


possible,  is  only  warm.     The  food  should  never  be 
hotter  than  111)°  Fahrenheit. 

It  is  best  to  warm  the  milk  by  standing  the  bottle 
in  hot  water  fur  a  lew  minutes.  Tiie  eontents  should 
be  shaken  on  taking  out  the  bottle  to  equalize  the 
heat. 

THE   NURSING   BOTTLE 

Roul  '.  bottles  are  the  best,  as  presenting  fewer 
angles  for  the  lodgement  of  partieles  of  milk. 

Rubber  tops  without  tubes  should  be  used.  It  is 
almost  impossible  to  keep  a  tube  elean.  It  is  so 
very  small  it  eannot  be  properly  cleansed.  Letting 
water  run  through  it  will  not  remove  every  trace  of 
the  mil'c.  What  remains  decomposes  and  poisons 
the  food  drawn  through  it. 

In  choosing  a  top,  select  one  with  as  small  a  hole 
as  can  be  found  in  the  end.  The  milk  comes  too 
fast  and  with  too  little  labor  on  the  part  of  the  child 
when  the  opening  is  large.  It  is  a  good  plan  to 
place  a  small  piece  of  sponge  in  the  top.  It  must 
be  removed  ai^d  washed  after  each  feeding  and  a 
fresh  one  supplied  every  day. 

The  top  should  be  turned  inside  out  and  scrubbed 

with  a  stiff  brush  kept  for  the  purpose.     Every  two 

or  three  days  it  should  be  boiled  for  ten  minutes. 

Boiling  does  not  injure  the  rubber. 
20 


tmm 


306 


PREPARATION    FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


The  bottle  inu.st  be  rinsed  in  tepid  water  after 
using,  then  scalded  and  turned  up  to  dry. 

A  pinch  of  baking  soda  may  be  added  to  the  first 
water  occasionally.  Thorough  washing,  which 
never  permits  any  milk  to  remain  to  become  sour, 
is  the  best  safeguard. 

Should  the  bottle  look  cloudy,  a  little  strong  am- 
monia water  may  be  used  in  washing  it,  followed  by 
repeated  rinsing  and  scalding. 

Perfect  cleanliness  is  part  of  the  price  that  must 
be  paid  for  the  baby's  health. 

MOVEMENTS 

The  nurse  should  see  that  the  child  passes  water 
during  the  first  twenty-four  hours. 

If  it  lies  with  its  legs  drawn  up  and  cries,  it  may 
be  sufferino:  from  the  inability  to  relieve  itself  A 
flannel  wrung  out  of  hot  water  may  be  laid  os'^er  the 
bladder  and  renewed  several  times.  The  heat  and 
moisture  may  relax  the  parts  and  bring  about  the 
desired  result.  If  not  the  doctor  should  be  told  of 
the  difficulty. 

Thite  first  movement  of  the  bowels  is  the  discharge 
of  the  meconium,  a  black  mass  looking  like  tar. 
When  this  has  come  away  the  next  passage  should 
be  soft  and  light  yellow  in  color.     A  young  baby 


'^i 


MOVEMENTS 


307 


ought  to  have  two,  or  three,  of  these  motions  dur- 
ing the  twenty-four  liours. 

Wiiite  specks  of  curd  through  them  show  that  the 
milk  is  not  properly  digested. 

The  movements  may  have  a  greenish  tinge,  but 
this  is  of  no  importance  unless  they  also  become 
slimy,  when  the  doctor  should  be  consulted. 

The  normal  odor  is  not  especially  disagreeable. 
If  it  becomes  offensive  the  food  is  unsuitable,  or  is 
not  being  properly  digested. 

When  the  bowels  do  not  move  regularly,  very 
gentle  pressing  and  rubbing  of  the  abdomen  is 
usually  sufficient  to  induce  them  to  do  so,  particu- 
larly with  a  young  baby.  A  little  warm  oil  may 
be  used  as  a  lubricant  if  desired.  The  rubbing 
should  be  kept  up  for  about  ten  minutes. 

If  this  produces  no  result  a  suppository  may  be 
tried.  As  mechanical  stimulation  of  the  intestine 
is  all  that  is  needed,  a  piece  of  stiff  white  paper  about 
four  inches  lo'.jg  is  rolled  in  a  small  tight  cone.  The 
point  is  oiled  and  inserted  in  the  rectum  for  about  an 
inch  and  a  movement  follows  in  a  few  minutes.  A 
fragment  of  white  soap  can  be  shaped  into  a  supposi- 
tory and  is  rejected  with  the  fiecal  matter  when  it 
comes  away. 

As  soon  as  possible  the  baby  should  be  taught 
regular  habits  by  being  held  out  at  certain  times 


308 


PREPARATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


every  day.  After  six  weeks  old,  it  should  seldom 
soil  a  napkin  if  it  is  quite  well,  and  the  training 
should  be  begun  early. 


I, 

I 
I 


I 

L.  .ill* 


THE   FONTANELLES 

These  are  the  soft  spaces  on  the  top  of  the  baby's 
head  which  will  in  time  become  solid  bone,  like  the 
rest  of  the  skull.  The  word  means  a  fountain  and 
the  name  was  probably  given  because  the  pulsations 
of  the  brain,  which  can  be  distinguished  beneath  the 
skin,  suggest  the  rising  of  the  water  from  a  foun- 
tain. 

The  front  one  is  much  the  largest  and  remains 
open  and  soft  until  the  child  is  one  or  two  years  old. 
Four  bones  meet  here  leaving  a  four-sided  opening 
where  thev  come  tooether. 

None  of  the  bones  of  the  skull  are  firmly  united 
at  the  time  of  birth.  The  sutures,  or  joinings,  are 
soft,  so  that  they  may  yield  a  little  to  pressure  and 
accommodate  themselves  to  the  narrow  passage 
through  which  the  head  must  pass. 

Some  mothers,  fearing  to  injure  the  brain  beneath, 
do  not  keep  the  skin  over  the  fontanelles  clean.  An 
oily  rubstance  is  constantly  exuding  through  the 
pores  of  the  skin.  This  should  be  removed  by  care- 
ful washing  with  soap  and  water  every  morning. 
If  it  is  allowed  to  remain,  specks  of  dust  lodge  in  it 


CARE   OF   THE    EVES 


309 


and  a  very  ugly  brown  scurf  is  formed,  which  dis- 
figures the  sweetest  baby. 

When  the  first  brown  flakes  are  perceived  they 
should  be  rubbed  with  vaseline  and  gently  scraped 
off  with  the  finger  nail.  If  they  have  been  allowed 
to  accumulate  throuii:h  neglect  thev  should  be  soft- 
ened  by  an  application  of  vaseline  over  night  and 
very  gently  scraped  off  with  a  fine  comb  the  next 
morning.  The  skin  will  be  reddened,  but  that  is 
not  a  serious  matter,  and  more  care  must  be  taken 
to  keep  it  free  from  foreign  deposits  in  the  future. 


CARE   OF   THE   EYES 

Although  babies,  unlike  some  of  the  lower  ani- 
mals, as  kittens  and  puppies,  are  not  blind  at  birth, 
their  power  of  vision  seems  to  be  imperfectly  de- 
veloped. An  object  may  be  passed  close  in  front  of 
their  eyes  without  causing  them  to  wink.  It  is  said 
that  the  color  is  not  finally  decided  until  they  are 
about  three  weeks  old. 

The  new-born  child  is  subject  to  an  inflammation 
of  the  eyelids  and  sometimes  of  tlie  conjunctiva,  or 
white  of  the  eye,  which  isdangcu'ous  and  if  neglected 
may  produce  disastrous  results. 

In  France,  nurses  are  obliged  by  law  to  report  to 
a  doctor  any  affection  of  the  ey3s  of  a  young  infant. 
Should  they  fail  to  do  so  they  are  punished  by  fine 


310 


PREPAUATION  FOR  MOTHERHOOD 


or  imprisonment,  as  the  child  may  become  blind  in 
consequence  of  their  neglect. 

The  first  duty  of  the  nurse  after  the  child  is  born 
is  to  wipe  its  eyes  with  a  soft  damp  cloth.  The 
eyes  should  be  carefully  examined  at  the  time  of  the 
morning  bath  and  if  reddened  should  be  bathed  by 
squeezing  tepid  water  over  theni,  letting  it  drip  on 
a  folded  towel  j)laced  under  the  head.  This  can  be 
repeated  several  times  a  day  until  the  doctor's  neit 
visit. 

Should  there  be  a  discharge  the  doctor  will  proba- 
bly order  a  wash  of  boracic  acid.  This  can  best  be 
applied  with  a  medicine  dropper.  The  lids  are  care- 
fully separated  with  the  fingers,  the  point  of  the 
dropper  inserted  at  the  outer  angle  of  the  eye,  point- 
ing towards  the  nose,  and  the  rubber  bulb  of  the 
dropper  very  slowly  pressed. 

If  the  eye  is  not  kept  clean  and  free  from  the  dis- 
charge, it  may  cause  the  cornea,  or  glassy  covering 
of  the  front  of  the  eye,  to  ulcerate,  and  should  the 
ulcer  be  a  bad  one  blindness  may  follow.  Surely 
this  fear  will  make  the  nurse  faithful  to  her  duty. 

The  discharge  is  very  infectious  and,  unless  care 
is  taken,  the  disease  may  be  comnmnicated  to  the 
eyes  of  the  mother  and  the  nurse. 

Pieces  of  linen  that  have  cleansed  the  eyes  must 
be  burned  and  nothing  used  about  the  baby's  face 


HEARING — RED  GUM 


311 


be  permitted  to  be  used  by  any  one  else.  Towels 
are  a  frequent  cause  of  infection. 

If  the  doctor  is  not  paving  regular  visits  lie  should 
be  immediately  informed  of  the  appearance  of  the 
discharge. 

Keeping  the  eyes  free  from  the  dangerous  matter 
by  faithful  washing  will  probably  save  the  child's 
sight.     Otherwise  it  is  in  great  peril. 


HEARING 

A  young  baby's  hearing  is  not  very  acute,  and  is 
said  not  to  be  developed  to  the  normal  capacity  until 
it  is  about  three  months  old. 

It  does  not  mind  noise,  though  a  loud  jar  of  any 
kind  will  disturb  and  perhaps  awaken  it. 

As  it  grows  older  it  is  not  wise  to  keep  the  house 
especially  quiet  while  it  sleeps.  It  is  better  to  ac- 
custom it  to  the  ordinary  sounds  of  daily  life  and  it 
will  learn  to  sleep  through  tliem. 

When  there  are  unavoidable  noises  which  cannot 
be  controlled,  as  those  made  in  the  neighborhood, 
putting  a  plug  of  cotton  wool  in  each  ear  helps  to 
deaden  them. 

RED   GUM 

Sometimes  the  surface  of  tiie  skin  is  dotted  with 
tiny  red  pimples,  giving  the  complexion  a  decidedly 


312 


PREPARATION   FOR   MOTHERHOOD 


rosy  cast.  This  eruj^jtion  is  called  rod  gum  and 
proceeds  from  some  irritation  of  the  delicate  skin. 
Careful  powderiuj^  with  French  chalk  morninj^ 
and  evening  is  all  that  is  necessary.  It  disappears 
after  a  short  time. 

Most  of  the  first  skin  peels  of!*  during  the  earlier 
weeks  of  a  baby's  life.  Sometimes  the  process  is  so 
gradual  it  is  not  noticed,  at  others  the  skin  comes 
off  in  larger  flakes.  Occasionally  a  little  fluid 
collects  under  a  patch  of  skin,  looking  almost  like  a 
blister.  No  treatment  is  required,  except  care  in 
washing  and  drying  the  part. 

JAUNDICE 

As  the  redness  fades  the  skin  may  assume  a  yellow 
appearance,  looking  almost  like  jaundice.  There  is 
one  difference,  the  whites  of  the  eyes  remain  clear 
and  white ;  in  jaundice  they  always  have  a  yellow 
tinge  at  least. 

If  the  diirestion  is  disordered  and  the  urine  stains 
the  napkin  a  deep  yellow,  the  doctor  should  be  con- 
sulted. The  liver  then  is  probably  at  fault.  Other- 
wise no  treatment  is  required,  the  skin  assuming  its 
normal  color  after  a  few  days. 


THRUSH 

This  disease  has  been  mentioned  in  speaking  of 


COLIC 


313 


the  necessity  of  cleanliness  in  all  the  paraphernalia 
used  for  the  baby's  food.  If  thrush  appears,  neglect 
in  this  matter  should  be  at  once  suspected.  It  may, 
however,  be  brought  on  by  disturbance  of  the  stom- 
ach or  some  part  of  the  digestive  tract,  caused  by 
im|)roper  food. 

The  mouth  may  be  washed  with  a  saturated  solu- 
tion of  boracic  acid  which  can  be  obtained  from  the 
druggist.  If  it  is  desired  to  make  it  at  home,  buy 
the  boracic  acid  crystals  and  dissolve  them  in  boiled 
water.  The  solution  is  saturated  when  the  water 
will  not  take  up  any  more,  and  some  crystals  remain 
undissolved  at  the  bottom  of  the  bottle. 


COLIC 

The  pain  of  colic  arises  from  the  distension  of  the 
stomach  and  intestine  by  an  accimiulatiou  of  gas  or 
wind,  as  it  is  popularly  called,  arising  from  the 
fermentation  of  the  food. 

In  a  young  baby  a  teaspoon ful  or  two  of  warm 
lime  water  will  sometimes  give  relief  Laying  the 
child  on  Its  stomach  on  a  hot  water  bag  is  also 
efficacious.  Gently  rubbing  the  abdomen,  as  di- 
rected for  the  relief  of  constipation,  helps  to  expel 
the  gas. 

In  severe  casts  a  few  drops  of  essence  of  pepper- 


314 


PREPARATION    FOR    MOTHERHOOD 


mint  in  warm,  unsweetened  water,  or  a  hot  bath, 
may  cut  short  the  nttack. 

Warmth  is  the  u^st  aid  against  the  enemy.  The 
feet  shoukl  be  wrap[>ed  in  lianiiel  and  put  on  a  hot 
water  bag.  Wheu  the  pain  conies  on  at  a  certain 
hour  every  day,  the  baby  should  be  wrapped  in  a 
blanivct  with  a  hot  water  bag  before  the  attack  is 
due. 

With  young  children,  colic  is  usually  attributed 
to  overfeeding  or  indigestion,  yet  sometimes  the  ut- 
most attention  to  the  diet  will  not  avert  it. 


S 


INCREASE    IN    WEIGHT 

An  average  baby  is  said  to  weigh  about  seven 
pounds  at  birth  if  a  boy,  and  six  and  a  half  if  a  girl. 
A  child  may,  however,  weigh  as  little  as  four,  or  as 
much  as  fourteen  pounds.  During  the  first  three 
days  there  is  a  loss  in  weight.  After  that  there 
should  be  a  steady  gain  of  rather  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  pound  a  week  until  the  infant  is  five 
months  old,  when  the  gain  is  slightly  less  rapid. 

In  weighing  the  baby  it  should  be  remembered  to 
weigh  the  clothes  in  which  it  is  dressed  afterwards, 
and  deduct  their  weight  from  the  amount  registered. 

The  length  of  the  average  child  is  nineteen  and  a 
half  inches  if  a  boy,  and  half  an  inch  less  if  a  girl. 
It  is  said  to  grow  faster  in  length  during  the  first 


MOTHER- LOVE 


315 


week  of  its  life  than  ..t  any  suhscquont  time  and 
should  gain  an  inch  in  height  during  the  first 
month. 

If  a  baby  does  not  make  steady  progress  in  growth 
both  in  length  and  weight  it  is  not  thriving  propei-ly. 
The  food  should  l)e  clianged  and  all  the  eonditir>ns 
under  which  it  is  living  carefully  reviewed,  to  find 
where  the  fault  lies. 

At  three  months  old  the  average  baby  should 
weigh  not  less  than  eleven  ])ounds  and  measun? 
twenty-two  inches.  If  the  child  was  very  small,  or 
very  large,  when  it  was  born,  the  gain  should  be  in 
this  proportion. 

When  the  flesh  is  soft,  instead  of  being  firm  and 
mottled,  the  face  pale  and  the  baby  fretful,  there  is 
something  wrong  which  must  be  set  right  if  the 
child  is  to  live  and  thrive. 


MOTHER -LOVE 

The  constant  watchfulness  of  mother-love  is 
needed  to  enable  the  baby  to  surmount  the  perils 
that  threaten  its  frail  life  durinor  the  earlv  months 
of  its  existence.  Nature  means  it  to  live  and  the 
mother  must  do  her  })art  to  carry  out  the  beneficent 
design. 

Proper  food  and  clothing,  sufficient  sleep,  and 
cleanliness  are  the  requisites  which  it  must  have  to 


316 


prp:paration  for  motherhood 


grow  and  develop  properly.  Under  the  head  of 
cleanliness  are  included  clean  air  to  breathe,  and  the 
regular  removal  of  the  waste  matter  generated  in 
the  body  bv  a  daily  movement  of  the  bowels. 

A  baby  thrives  best  in  an  atmosphere  of  love. 
It  needs  loving  and  cherishing  for  its  best  develop- 
nr.Mit,  almost  as  much  as  it  does  material  care.  It 
is  not  very  loufj  before  it  learns  to  look  for  it  and 
in  its  own  measure  to  return  the  affection  that  is 
lavished  upon  it. 

A  child  that  is  looked  upon  as  a  burden  and  an 
incumbrance  is  defrauded  of  its  just  due.  The 
mother  who  does  not  give  to  her  baby  the  love  and 
devotion  that  ought  to  be  inseparable  from  her  re- 
lation (o  it,  loses  the  sweetest  reward  of  motherhood. 
She  wilfully  takes  the  pains  and  penalties  of  ma- 
ternity and  robs  herself  of  the  recompense  that  to 
the  true  mother  makes  them  weigh  as  dust  in  the 
balance. 


lie  head  of 
ithe,  and  tin; 
generated  in 
>wels. 

Te  of  lovo, 
3st  develop- 
l1  care.  It 
for  it  and 
ion   that  is 


len  and  an 
due.  The 
le  love  and 
oni  her  re- 
lotherhood. 
:ies  of  ma- 
ise  that  to 
lust  in  the 


